Dundee boss Neil McCann relishing another showdown with city rivals United

The draw for the next stage of the league cup quickly paired both teams together again at Dens Park next month.

Published 31st Jul 2017

Dundee manager Neil McCann got his wish of facing Dundee United again in the Betfred Cup following a penalty shoot-out derby defeat at Dens Park.

United sealed top spot in Group C and a place among the second-round seeds after edging a shoot-out 4-3 following an entertaining 1-1 draw in front of 10,460 fans.

And the draw quickly paired both teams together again at Dens Park next month.

United took the lead just before the break through makeshift striker Paul McMullan, but Mark O'Hara levelled just before the hour mark and McCann is confident his team can win the rematch.

McCann said: "Ultimately we haven't won the group but I thought we did more than enough to win the game.

"First half I wasn't happy with elements of our play, we allowed McMullan to come short off us. But we addressed it and towards the latter stages you could hear United asking how long to go, so we knew we were forcing the issue.

"Ultimately it's about getting through. When I went into the dressing room it was quiet and I said 'I want another crack at them'.

"We got one, that's why there was a cheer going up. That's not being disrespectful or arrogant, it's just a fantastic game to be involved in.

"It was a great advert for Scottish football, two sides going hammer and tongs, the colour, the atmosphere.''

United boss Ray McKinnon has no concerns about making the short walk along Tannadice Street again.

"I would rather it was at Tannadice, but listen, they have nothing to fear coming here,'' he said. "It will be a tough game again, Dundee are a good side, but we have shown we can go out there and play.

"And hopefully we will have James Keatings. Scott McDonald will have had another 10 days' training, Willo Flood has only had one game, 60 minutes, with the kids. If we can get these people back fit we will come back here with a stronger squad.''

McCann had declared he wanted his side to play with "swagger'' and show why they were the Premiership team in the city. And he had no regrets.

"I said swagger and why not? I'm not being arrogant or disrespectful,'' he said.

"They should feel good about themselves. They retained their Premiership status last season when we looked like we were on our way down on the back of seven defeats. And why shouldn't they be looking forward to a full campaign in the Premiership?''

When asked about his opposite number's pre-match comments, McKinnon said: "I honestly don't pay attention to what they say. It doesn't affect me, it's just what we do that matters. We don't get entangled in anything other people are saying.''

United restored some pride after getting relegated on their previous trip to Dens Park in May 2016.

"I had it rammed down me all week, how important it was, but again I don't worry about that,'' he said. "I wasn't here at the time. It's about what we did today, we had to perform, and we did. So I'm really pleased.'