Advertisement

'You don't become a bad team in one performance' - Docherty

Tony Docherty insists Dundee's scudding at the hands of Hearts on Saturday was "an aberration" from their Scottish Premiership standard.

The Dark Blues suffered and unexpected and uncharacteristic chastening 6-0 defeat at Dens Park to Neil Critchley's side but Docherty is adamant he and his side will take responsibility for it.

"I've got a good group in there and we analysed that game right away," Docherty said as his side look to bounce back on Wednesday at Celtic Park.

"You would just say it was a really bad day, a really bad day at the office and I thought Hearts had a really good day.

"It's one of these wins in sport. You need to put it down to that. Of course I didn't like it, but it's important that you analyse it, acknowledge your part in it and take responsibility for it.

"I take full responsibility, but you move on quickly because I think there's so much more."

Dundee held Celtic to a 2-2 at Dens last month, and he hopes to see the "mentality and resilience" required on Wednesday in Glasgow.

"You don't become a bad team in one performance," he added. "The game kind of ran away.

"It's important that we have focused on what we could do better in that game and put it to bed.

"Any time there's been a bump in the road or a setback, I think the resilience and the mentality that's been displayed by the squad has been there for all to see.

"Based on that experience, I expect that to be the same case again, without taking it for granted.

"It's a difficult challenge that we face, but it's something that I think when that happens, you just want to get back on the horse and go again."