Dundee have not always had the best of luck against either side of the Glasgow divide in recent seasons.
Tony Docherty’s outfit have been a refreshing add to the Premiership since they were promoted in 2023 and they earned top six last term.
This season they have also started relatively well with one win and three draws but the manager knows they can do better.
His side actually proved that during the international break when they squared off against Philippe Clement’s Rangers and beat them after an agreement with the opponent to pick a “strong” squad.
Clement brought with him the likes of captain James Tavernier, Robin Propper and others who were not involved with their country during international week, but it was the Dees who won the game 1-0.
And Docherty was beaming with how they performed. Especially, for Docherty, considering some of those players involved were still working towards full fitness.
“It was good to get back and to get a game so soon after the Kilmarnock game,” Docherty said. “We both put out two strong teams and all the players, out with those who were away on international duty, were involved.
“Rangers had a really strong team with James Tavernier, Cyriel Dessers and Robin Propper, most of their top players. Rangers were the same because we made the arrangement with them that we wanted a proper game.
Dundee beat Rangers 1-0 in a friendly behind closed doors
“It was great to get the boys back on the grass and it was pleasing we got a result and the clean sheet, which was important. I took a full squad of about 14 and they all played.
“Scott Fraser, Seb Palmer-Houlden and Julien Vetro all got game time. They all need the minutes but it was more than that. I was able to play a strong team as well. We won 1-0 and it was really, really pleasing. It was a really worthwhile exercise.”
The only Dee who was not involved was defender Clark Robertson who had only recently returned from injury.
And as Docherty explained his reasoning for leaving the 31-year-old out, he also revealed the “lift” the former FC Ashdod star can bring to his squad alongside new face Scott Fraser.
“I never played Clark. He was the only one because he is just coming back from a hamstring injury. He has just come back and played two 90 minutes. I was nursing him a wee bit.
“It feels brilliant to get them in. It feels brilliant, like two new signings. Clark was unfortunate to get the injury at the start but the team are starting to see the benefit.
“Scott is a player I really admire. Getting the 90 minutes in against him against Rangers does feel like they are two new additions to the group. To bring those levels of players and experience to the squad is really important.”
Dundee face Motherwell in the Premiership this weekend
Dundee’s squad were given the weekend off by the gaffer as a reward for returning fresh to the action after watching Nations League action from their couches.
And, ahead of this weekend’s Premiership clash away from home to Motherwell, the boss hopes they can return again with the same pep in their step as they look to see off Stuart Kettlewell’s troops at Fir Park.
He added: “We had a meeting in the early part of last week, like we always do. I think it is good when you follow it up with a game and it goes well. We are in a good place.
“The boys have come in really fresh. We had a good session on Monday and we are looking to kick on. The international boys will join back up with us on Thursday.”