Dundee

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Dundee "certainly need to bring in a centre-back" and "probably an attacking player" before the January window closes, says head coach Steven Pressley.

The Dens Park club are without defenders Clark Robertson and Billy Koumetio and strikers Joe Westley and Ashley Hay due to injury.

Pressley says the situation could force his hand and he hopes the Dundee board can conclude some transfer business before the window closes on Monday.

Following Saturday's 0-0 draw at St Mirren, the Dundee boss said: "We have to look at that (signing more players).

"Every game for us is so important. It might be three or four weeks out for Ash [Hay] but that could be five or six games just now for us because it's such a hectic period.

"Ash had been struggling after the opening period at Ibrox. And as a result, we got him scanned later in the week.

"We thought it wasn't going to be too bad, but it looks like it's a broken toe. So again, it might force us in the market.

"It's not what we intended to do going into the window. We had a clear idea of where we wanted to recruit, and centre-back was another area we didn't really want to recruit in, but our hands have been forced a little bit.

"So I think prior to the closure of the window, we certainly need to bring in a centre-back and probably an attacking player."

Dundee are in talks with Lincoln City over a deal for Dutch central defender Lewis Montsma. (Daily Record), external

Ten-man St Mirren held on for a precious Premiership point in Paisley after a turgid goalless Scottish Premiership draw against Dundee.

Read the full match report here

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Dundee head coach Steven Pressley: "Kind of similar to last week where we had a lot of possession and got into good positions in the final third but couldn't find the breakthrough.

"It's an area we need to improve, but I think we've come a long way. It's a good point.

"Them going down to 10 men, you hope you take the impetus and go win it, but they are also fighting for their lives right now."

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St Mirren new boy Kion Etete has picked up a hamstring problem but is expected to make it.

Saints remain without Jonah Ayunga (tendon), Mark O'Hara (ankle) and Keanu Baccus (hamstring tendon). Fraser Taylor has joined Partick Thistle on loan until the end of the season.

Billy Koumetio (knee) and Clark Robertson (thigh) are still out for Dundee through injury, while recent signing Brad Halliday is hoping to make his first appearance for the club.

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Dundee goalkeeper Jon McCracken is relishing the "responsibility" placed on him by Steven Pressley.

The 25-year-old lost his place to Trevor Carson in the final months of last season, but has been first choice since Pressley replaced Tony Docherty in the summer.

"It's obviously been a really good season for myself, the gaffer has come in and given me that responsibility that it's your gloves to lose," said McCracken.

"That's been refreshing because I wasn't the gaffer's signing so that's always a pleasing factor, and I've just really enjoyed it.

"The majority of the defenders are the ones that were here in the building last year, apart from Drey Wright. We've pretty much got the same boys that were here last year, we've improved a lot in terms of that.

"But it's not just the back four and the goalkeeping. Defensively, as a team, we're looking really hard to break down and I think results have sort of shown that, hopefully we can continue that."

Having lost to top two Hearts and Rangers in their previous two league outings, Dundee are seeking a return to winning ways in Saturday's trip to St Mirren.

"Consistency is one of the hardest things to get in the league because it's quite a competitive league this year," McCracken added.

"St Mirren are a good team, you don't win a cup without being a good team, so it'll be a difficult game.

"They'll be just as up for it as we are, but we're trying to look more up the way than down the way in the league and a win at the weekend would certainly help our chances of catching the ones above us."

Dundee boss Steven Pressley says Brad Halliday will be "a really good signing" despite having to wait for his chance since signing from Bradford City. (The Courier)

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• St. Mirren (17) and Dundee (19) are the two lowest scoring sides in this season's Scottish Premiership. Indeed, the Buddies have the lowest shot conversion rate in the competition this term (6.3% - 17 goals from 268 shots), while the Dee are bottom for total shots (214) and expected goals (18.5).

• Only bottom side Livingston have fewer away points in the Scottish Premiership this season (four) than Dundee (six), who have just one win in 12 away league outings this term (D3 L8).

• St. Mirren are winless in their last six league games (D2 L4), failing to score in four of those since a 1-0 victory over Livingston in December.

• Dundee have won three of their last four Scottish Premiership meetings with St. Mirren (L1), as many as their previous 15 beforehand (W3 D3 L9).

• St. Mirren have won six of their last eight Scottish Premiership matches at home to Dundee (L1), including a 1-0 win in September this season.

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Dundee head coach Steven Pressley has been speaking to the media as his side prepare to face St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.

Here are the key points:

• Pressley confirms there has been "contact with several clubs" about Luke Graham but that none have reached Dundee's valuation for the 21-year-old centre-half.

• Graham is "not getting out this window", although Pressley realises he is unlikely to have time to realise his dream of building a team around the "exciting" young Scot.

• Injuries to Billy Koumetio and Clark Robertson mean one of Dundee's two priorities before the end of January is to sign another central defender.

• Pressley also wants an additional striker, although no signings are imminent.

• As for departures, he only anticipates the possible exit of "a couple of players on the periphery".

• Saturday's trip to Paisley "is a huge game for both clubs" as "we're at that stage of the season when it's a must-win game".

• "We've got a bit of daylight between us and those underneath us, but that can change very quickly," Pressley says, warning against "complacency" against "a very good St Mirren team".

• He points out "our two defeats in the past six games were against teams one and two in the country (Hearts and Rangers)".

• The fact there was a subdued atmosphere after the loss at Ibrox showed "how far the players have come and the standards they are setting for themselves".

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

There has been a lot of chat about Luke Graham's Dundee future during this transfer window.

Unsurprisingly, the 21-year-old defender appears to have plenty of potential suitors after a string of standout displays this season.

While the fans may be pondering whether he will stay or go, perhaps there is a bigger question - can Dundee afford to sell him?

But his value to the team cannot be understated. Despite his young years, he has looked hugely assured in a side that has been steadily improving as the campaign has gone on.

Of course every player has his price and if the club's valuation is met then there is every chance Graham could move on to pastures new.

Graham's numbers back up his burgeoning reputation. Opta stats show he has had the most clearances, headed clearances, passes, successful passes and forward passes of any Dundee outfield player in the Premiership this season.

He ranks second for interceptions, third for fouls won, and has also created six chances.

So it is clear Dundee's hopes of extending their positive progress would be better served by his continued presence in the side.

Dundee's rearguard options are already stretched with injuries to Billy Koumetio and Clark Robertson, so losing a talisman like Graham would further add to their problems in that department.

One player doesn't make a team but the loss of a key one can have a big impact.

If Dundee can hang on to Graham for the remainder of the season, it would arguably be the best piece of business the club do during this transfer window.

Ethan Hampton
Fan writer

To say I am relatively upbeat after a 3-0 defeat would make me sound like a madman.

Yet beneath the surface of the result at Ibrox was a spirited Dundee performance, one where we attempted to go toe-to-toe with Rangers.

It was a breath of fresh air. Dundee sides of the past have gone to Ibrox, dropped into a back five and attempted to absorb pressure on the back foot.

On Sunday, we saw Dundee line up with a back four and, for the most part, show bravery on the ball.

What was missing was that cutting edge in the final third - particularly with the final delivery. That feels uncharacteristic of this team given the form our wide players have shown across the season.

Regardless of results, Dundee are developing some very good habits, and that will bode well as we approach the business end of the campaign. My feeling remains that we are still yet to see the very best of this side.

We await the debut of new signing Brad Halliday, who arrives from Bradford with glowing reviews from their supporters, while one or two further additions may still arrive before the window shuts.

Away to St Mirren next. If we can maintain our groove, Dundee will be more than capable of taking all three points.

Dundee manager Steven Pressley has spoken to Luke Graham's agent amid speculation linking the Dens Park defender with a move, while Pressley is keen to sign two players before the end of the January transfer window. (Courier - subscription required), external

Tuesday's Scottish gossip

We asked for your views on Dundee's 3-0 defeat at Rangers.

Here's what some of you said:

Gary: Game changed on the penalty but we were hanging on by half-time. Mistakes cost the three goals and I wish we would've had a go, but risks were taken in the wrong areas of the field today. We need different options in central attack and defence, we're light in those areas with what we have in house at the moment. Still time to bring in a proven goalscorer and in defence to cover injuries.

Bob: Some of the (over) optimism is a bit misplaced. This team is capable of losing multiple games on the trot. Relegation is still a distinct threat. Going to Ibrox and setting your stall out for 0-0 is pathetic. Got what they deserved.

Albert: Great performance by Dundee, the scoreline flatters Rangers. Hopefully Aberdeen don't come in for our manager now that all his good work is showing on the park...

Watch highlights as James Tavernier's 100th league goal for Rangers helps Danny Rohl's side narrow the gap at the top with a Scottish Premiership win over Dundee.

MATCH REPORT: Rangers 3-0 Dundee

A bid by Queens Park Rangers for Dundee defender Luke Graham, 21, was "news to us", says Dens Park manager Steven Pressley. (Courier - subscription required), external

An issue with VAR caused the kick-off of Rangers' Sunday win over Dundee to be delayed by six minutes. (Sun), external

Monday's Scottish gossip

James Tavernier scored his 100th league goal for Rangers as they beat Dundee to overtake Celtic and move within four points of Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts.

Match report

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Dundee manager Steven Pressley: "One-nil down with nearly 90 minutes on the clock, I was still disappointed because I genuinely believe we're a better team than we showed.

"There wasn't a lot in the game. Rangers deserved, on chances created, to win the game. We didn't create enough. With the ball, we showed some courage but not enough.

"We've got some good players within our dressing room that are growing all the time. The lesson for today is we want to be coming to places like Ibrox and winning and to do that, you need to grow as a team. We'll do that over the coming months ahead.

"We can come here and get a result. We can certainly come here and cause an upset but it was a step too far for us today. Hopefully, the next time we come back here, we'll be in even better shape."

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Denmark winger Andreas Skov Olsen could make his Rangers debut while fellow new signing Tochi Chukwuani could make his first start. Belgian left-back Tuur Rommens, the third January signing, is catching up on fitness.

John Souttar and Dujon Sterling will miss out again but could return next week. Connor Barron is out long term with a knee ligament problem while Derek Cornelius and Nedim Bajrami remain out with muscle injuries.

Dundee have lost Billy Koumetio to a knee injury for several months while forward Joe Westley (ankle) remains out.

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• Thelo Aasgaard has scored in three of his past four starts in the Scottish Premiership (three goals), including both of his latest two at Ibrox, with three of his four league goals for Rangers this season coming at home (75%).

• Just 27% of Dundee's points in the Scottish Premiership this season have come away from home (six out of 22), the lowest ratio of any side, although they did pick up their first away league win of the season most recently at Dundee United (1-0).

• Rangers have won their past five league matches, last winning more on the spin in February 2024 under Philippe Clement (nine).

• Dundee are winless in 20 away games at Rangers in all competitions, although their 1-1 draw most recently (August 2025) ended a 19-game losing streak.

• Rangers are unbeaten in 19 meetings with Dundee in all competitions (W15 D4) since a 2-1 defeat in November 2017.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee head coach Steven Pressley believes there are similarities between the progress Rangers have made under Danny Rohl and that of his own side over the past few months.

The teams meet at Ibrox in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday aiming to continue strong form.

Rohl, having replaced Russell Martin in October, has Rangers on a seven-game winning run while Dundee have four victories in their past five fixtures.

"Rangers' situation on a greater scale is similar to our own," said Pressley.

"Danny went in there, they became a little bit more pragmatic, they addressed some of the outstanding issues like their vulnerability from set-plays and now that is a real strength.

"I think once you start taking small steps and seeing the results from that, a confidence grows within the team and just organically things improve. I think Rangers, it is a bit like our own journey.

"So very similar but a really good Rangers team just now."

Dundee drew 1-1 at Ibrox last August during Martin's calamitous Rangers tenure.

"Any time you go to Ibrox it is a really big challenge for ourselves," added Pressley.

"But to face a Rangers team that are on the back of six [now seven] straight wins, five of those in the league, that are growing in confidence, have a lot of momentum and have just recruited a number of very talented players makes the job in hand very difficult.

"But equally we go there with a little bit of form ourselves so it is a game we are excited about. Like we did the last time we went there, we need everything to go right and if that happens you never know."

While Dundee are deservedly getting plenty of plaudits, Pressley is keeping his feet on the ground.

"There are so many other aspects that we still need to improve around the club and in our own performance," he said.

"That is what excites me, we are making progress but a lot more to come."

Queens Park Rangers have made a £1m offer to Dundee for centre-half Luke Graham, but Portsmouth are expected to come in for another bid after having a £400,000 offer rejected, while Aberdeen, Hearts and Sheffield United are also interested in the 21-year-old. (Sportsboom), external

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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