Dundee

Substitutes Sebastian Tounekti and Junior Adamu dramatically rescued Celtic as Martin O'Neill's side beat Dundee in extra time to reach the Scottish Cup quarter-finals.

MATCH REPORT

HAVE YOUR SAY

Dundee manager Steven Pressley: "We gave so much. We left nothing out there. If we'd manage to see out one more attack, I think it would've been a very well deserved victory.

"Obviously, there was the five minutes we'd already seen out. We were a minute and a half into further stoppage time and we thought we were there. I thought we'd got there, I really did. I don't have a quibble, I'm just extremely disappointed.

"Credit to clubs like Celtic, they have that never say die attitude and they score a lot of late goals.

"Ethan Hamilton has been an immense signing for us. Probably the one thing we'd like to see more of from him is goals and that certainly was up there with some of the best."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Dundee striker Simon Murray says he is feeling injury free for the first time this season and believes the prolific scorer he has been in recent years "is still in there".

Murray, 33, has netted 66 goals over the past three campaigns for Queen's Park, Ross County and his current employers.

That is in stark contrast to this term where he has scored just three times and flitted in and out of the starting line-up.

Speaking before Saturday's Scottish Cup fifth-round trip to play Celtic, Murray said: "I have had a frustrating year off the back of such a good one last year and the season before.

"From the start of the season I have been playing through a lot of niggling injuries and things like that and it probably wasn't until maybe three or four weeks ago I have actually felt injury free.

"Obviously where we were at the start of the year, I felt like I needed to push through and play through and it was probably detrimental to my performances.

"But if you asked me to do the same again I would do it. I just felt it was the right thing to do at the time because we were obviously a new group and the manager put a lot of faith in me."

Murray's scoring form over the last few years prompted a debate over whether he should be called up to the Scotland squad.

And while it has been a different story this season, he is confident he will get back on the goals trail regularly.

He said: "Coming out of the team and really getting myself back to where I know I can be, it has been a good thing for me.

"I went away and trained I felt like my best period in training, the last six to eight weeks, so it has really got me back to a level where I feel like I can get back to what I was doing last season.

"And you know that same player is still in there. That was only seven or eight months ago so it is up to me now.

"I thought St Mirren [Dundee's last game] was probably my best output in terms of what I was like, my energy and my running, so I just need to get that first goal and hopefully it is like a bus, you wait for one and then they all come."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Dundee manager Steven Pressley has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Scottish Cup fifth-round trip to play Celtic.

Here are the main points:

• On the postponement of Wednesday's league visit of Motherwell because of a waterlogged pitch, Pressley says Dundee's groundstaff "were in the stadium trying to get the game on until four in the morning".

• He says the amount of rain that has fallen is illustrated by the fact "we have trained one day on grass up here in five weeks".

• Pressley admits the trip to Celtic wasn't the draw they wanted but stresses they have to "go there with real intent" and embrace it.

• The Dundee boss says "we have some good experiences this season against Celtic" and wants his team to "have a go" against a very good side with top players and "an excellent manager and staff".

• Dundee have never won away to Celtic in the Scottish Cup but Pressley insists his team "embrace that kind of statistic".

• He believes striker Simon Murray, who has scored just three goals this season, "has a renewed confidence about him".

• Some Celtic fans could boycott Saturday's game, but Pressley "hopes there is a big Celtic support there". He says when there is a large crowd they can turn on the team and "create a nervousness".

• Team news: No fresh injuries and Dundee's three deadline-day signings - Scott Wright, Lewis Montsma and Aldahir Valenzuela - are all available.

On-loan Birmingham forward Scott Wright says he chose Dundee over other offers because the style of play will help re-ignite his career. (The Courier)

An umbrella group of Celtic fans has formally called on rank and file supporters to boycott the Scottish Cup tie against Dundee on Saturday evening. (Scottish Sun)

We asked for your thoughts on Dundee's business in the January transfer window.

Here's what some of you said:

Gary: Obviously keeping Luke Graham can be huge for us. Thankfully on this occasion we weren't bullied, or tempted, into an undervalue release. Overall I'm optimistic about the prospects after the window, we've brought in options further up the park and in defence so it's all about how they gel and keeping them fit.

Paul: Probably the strongest January window we've had in a long time. Keeping Graham is a massive step and shows great intent. We've brought in players in vital positions and when the injured players come back we should have a decent second half of the season.

Mark: Definitely came out of the window stronger. Keeping Graham is great news. A few seasons ago we would have let him go for next to nothing so we seem to be moving in the right direction. Scott Wright came out of left field but great bit of business if he can stay fit.

Willie: Dundee's use of the transfer window is uninspiring. Two players in who have both had cruciate ligament damage and can break down anytime. The much vaunted new recruitment team and strategy is lacking in imagination and seems to be second rate compared with other teams talent spotting.

Roberto: Two strikers in is very good. Another centre back is also good. Retaining Graham until at least the summer might be the best "move" of all though.

Kieran: Generally pleased with the signings, all in areas we needed to strengthen. Slightly disappointed not to have a target man brought in up front. The most important bit of business was holding firm and keeping Graham. Credit to the club on that one - it could be the difference between us fighting at the bottom or looking upwards.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

At the end of last month I was extolling the virtues of Ashley Hay and how he was starting to provide a body of evidence to suggest he could be the answer to Dundee's goal scoring problem.

Then he got injured, joining fellow front man Joe Westley on the sidelines.

It was a situation which certainly left head coach Steven Pressley light in terms of striking threat.

But he moved swiftly to try and remedy that issue on a busy transfer deadline day which saw two of his three signings – Aldahir Valenzuela and Scott Wright - brought in to supplement his attacking options.

While the former, an 18-year-old Mexican, is very much an unknown quantity – Wright isn't.

If he stays fit, the former Aberdeen and Rangers winger – who has joined on loan from Birmingham City – is the kind of player who has the potential to make a difference for Pressley's side.

During his 120 appearances for Rangers across all competitions he scored 12 goals and seven assists. In his 76 league games, he created 48 chances, eight big chances, and played 594 passes ending in the final third.

He has the ability to unlock a defence, has an eye for goal , and probably feels he has a bit of a point to prove having had his time in England disrupted by a knee injury.

Given all of the above you feel the acquisition of Wright has the potential to be one of the shrewdest bits of deadline day business across the Scottish Premiership.

Image source, SNS

• Dundee have lost three of their last four league games against Motherwell (D1), after having only lost one of their previous seven beforehand (W3 D3).

• Both teams have scored in each of Dundee's last five home league matches against Motherwell (nine Dundee goals, eight Motherwell), although the Steelmen have only lost one of these visits (W2 D2).

• Dundee have won five of their last eight home league games (L3), although lost their last 0-1 to Hearts in January. The Dee last suffered successive home league defeats in August.

• Motherwell are unbeaten in their last seven midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) league games (W5 D2) since a 0-1 defeat at Hearts in January 2025.

• Dundee's Simon Murray has been directly involved in six goals in his last 10 league appearances against Motherwell (four goals, two assists), although hasn't scored in any of his four Scottish Premiership games against them at Dens Park.

Ethan Hampton
Fan writer

This was the most enjoyable deadline day I can remember in a long, long time.

Scott Wright returning to Dens is a genuine lift. Seven years ago he made a strong impression in a struggling Dundee side while still just a kid. He now comes back a far more mature player, carrying real pedigree - a winner of every major domestic honour in Scotland and fresh from helping Birmingham City to a league title last season.

I'm as surprised as I am delighted to see him walk back through the doors at Dens. These are the signings that energise a football club.

That feeling is only heightened by Dundee holding firm on Luke Graham, rejecting offers that would have smashed our record sale fee. It speaks volumes about where the club finds itself right now.

We're in a good place. The fixture list doesn't ease up - Motherwell at Dens followed by Celtic at Parkhead - but there's a growing sense that Dundee can go toe-to-toe with anyone.

The idea of making history by beating Celtic in Glasgow is something I've never seen our support embrace quite like this before.

There's a belief around this team, we look tough to beat and resilient - something I can't say about most Dundee teams in my living memory.

Dundee's season could have been ruined by Luke Graham's exit, says boss Steven Pressley. (The Courier)

Read the rest of Wednesday's gossip.

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Dundee could hand debuts to Scott Wright and Lewis Montsma. They remain without centre-backs Billy Koumetio (knee) and Clark Robertson (thigh) plus forwards Joe Westley (ankle) and Ashley Hay (broken toe).

Motherwell have Stephen Welsh back in their ranks after he resumed a loan from Celtic. There is a question mark over Johnny Koutroumbis after he went off with a calf injury at Livingston.

Elliot Watt (hamstring), Regan Charles-Cook (ankle) and Callum Hendry remain out along with long-term absentee Zach Robinson (Achilles).

Image source, SNS

Steven Pressley has praised Dundee's owners for rejecting "some very enticing offers" and standing firm on their valuation of Luke Graham.

Portsmouth failed in their attempts to sign the 21-year-old centre-back, who has made 27 appearances this season.

Pressley said: "From my own experiences as a head coach, January isn't only an opportunity to bring in some players, it can derail you in many ways with your best players moving on.

"There's no doubt that if a significant offer had come in then the club would have had to think about it.

"But credit to our owners, because we received some very enticing offers. But we were strong in that respect and we were focused that we would not sell unless the true valuation was met.

"I was delighted to see him in the building. I said to him that everyone was telling me he was on a flight down to Portsmouth, which I knew was untrue.

"I am really, really pleased because his performances have been of such a high level."

Pressley expects further interest in the Scotland under-21 international, whose contract expires at the end of next season.

"If he continues progressing the way that he has I think there will be a lot of interest in him," Pressley said.

"I worked with a young Jarrad Branthwaite at Carlisle who went on to represent England and I see so many similarities between himself and Luke. I think we've got a tremendous young player on our hands."

Pressley's squad was strengthened on deadline day with the arrival of Dutch defender Lewis Montsma from Lincoln and Birmingham winger Scott Wright on loan.

Dundee also added 18-year-old forward Aldahir Valenzuela on loan from Monterrey as part of their link-up with the Mexican club.

Wright has only just returned from a year out with a knee injury in the past two weeks but will add a goal threat Pressley knows his side need.

No Dundee player has scored more than two Premiership goals this season and Pressley's top scorer is defender Clark Robertson, who has four in all competitions.

Pressley, whose side host Motherwell on Wednesday, said: "If you look through our group, we have made a lot of progress over the season, but if you look at the stats and history it would suggest that we lack goals.

"Simon Murray is the only player within the group with a history of scoring goals. It's a big burden for one to carry.

"Scott is a player we think can really impact that area. He is a player with a history of scoring goals. He is a player that can fill all three positions along the front line.

"With our current injuries to Joe Westley and Ash Hay, we really only have one fit striker. So Scott gives us the back-up there."

With the transfer window now shut, we want to know if you think your team have made the right moves.

Dundee made two signings on deadline day, winger Scott Wright on loan and defender Lewis Montsma.

That added to the arrivals of Joe Bevan, Brad Halliday, Joel Cotterill and Aldahir Valenzuela, while Emile Acquah departed on loan and Plamen Galabov and Cesar Gerza left.

And the club kept hold of in-demand defender Luke Graham.

Are you happy with the Dark Blues' business? Are they in good shape now for the remainder of the season?

Share your views here.

Dundee turned down a club record bid for defender Luke Graham, 21, on transfer deadline day. (Courier - subscription required), external

Tuesday's Scottish gossip

Image source, Getty Images

Dundee have signed Lincoln City's Dutch defender Lewis Montsma on a six-month deal with an option to extend it further.

Montsma, 27, came through several academies in the Netherlands before breaking into senior football with Dordrecht.

He moved to Lincoln in 2020 and has made 108 appearances for the Imps, scoring 11 goals.

However, he has since struggled with injuries and has not played a single league game for Michael Skubala's side this season.

"I'm very happy to be here," he told Dundee's club website.

"As soon as my agent said Dundee were really interested, I was like this is for me. It's a good change for me in my career; I hope to play a lot of games here.

"I spoke to Ethan [Hamilton] on the phone, he told me about how the place is, it looks very nice here, really looking forward to getting started."

In an open letter to Montsma, Lincoln sporting director Jez George said: "Over the next five and a half years you proved to be not just a special player, but also a special person.

"On behalf of everyone connected to Lincoln City, who have all shared all or part of your journey, we want to thank you for everything and wish you every success for the next chapter of your career at Dundee FC and beyond.

"Go well, Lewis. Always an Imp."

Dundee are closing in on signing Lincoln City defender Lewis Montsma, 27. (Courier - subscription required), external

Monday's Scottish gossip

Watch highlights as 10-man St Mirren and Dundee share the points in a goalless stalemate in Paisley. (Available to UK users only)

We asked for your views on Dundee's 0-0 draw against 10-man St Mirren.

Here's what some of you said:

Gary: Our indecision both on the park and in the transfer market, along with our injury list, is threatening to derail all the good work done in the last couple of months. Our wide men have obvious skill but the final ball is usually lacking and we have no central threat with Ash Hay out. Might be time to start the two young guys upfront and use their speed and directness to get us up the pitch. A good point? Failing to register a shot on target against a team of 10, no, a poor two dropped.

Steve: A lot of good possession and endeavour but lacking that cutting edge in the final third. The gaffer knows it and I am sure he will work it out. Would always take a point on the road but it feels a bit like a missed chance. Clean sheet, good debut for Brad Halliday, solid shape generally, more positives than negatives.

Mark: Poor game from start to finish. Normally take a point there and up the road but that's twice in the last couple of weeks we've been against 10 men for most of the second half and not put them to the sword. Need more firepower up front.

Iain: Happy with an away point but we could have forced our advantage, but we didn't. The two lowest scoring sides in the league were likely to end with a goalless draw. Dundee can do better than this. We need a goalscorer, and more attacking intent under Steven Pressley. He likes to defend.

Albert: A draw isn't the end of the world. Hopefully the owners can back Pressley in getting in some strikers as we've a good side here.

George: Dundee could of have been out of sight of St Mirren. We need to put the ball in the net, it is what wins games. Hope we get a good goalscorer, we need one desperately. But at least we got a point. Last season we would have lost that game 2-0.

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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."