UP DOWN

Doc insists with nine games to play it’s far too early to place importance on league positions

- BY SCOTT BURNS

TONY DOCHERTY has dismissed any talk that his Dundee side are in a relegation fight.

The Dark Blues currently sit 11th in the Premiership, just three points above bottom side St Johnstone.

But the Dens boss insists the time to look at the league table is at the end of the season because there are still 27 points to play for, starting with Sunday's derby trip to Tannadice.

When asked if his side are in a relegation battle, Docherty said: "I wouldn't say that. I'd say there’s nine games to go and 27 points to play for. League positions are only important at the end of the season.

"So what happens between now and the end is determined by us, how we perform and how we play.

"Realistically, our top-six aspirations have gone but when you get into that split it's dog eat dog. Anybody can be involved. So any of the bottom six can be involved in that.

"I just need to make sure we're equipped and I think we'll be more equipped when we get the experienced players returning.