Lichties have no reason to fear Dee – Thomson

Jason Thomson insists Arbroath have nothing to fear against high-flying Dundee – because they deserved something for their Dens Park performance before Christmas.

Dick Campbell’s bottomdogs welcome James Mcpake’s on-form Dark Blues to Gayfield for tonight’s televised clash as they desperately try to start climbing off the foot of the table.

Former Hearts star Thomson was part of the Angus outfit’s team which went down narrowly 1-0 to Paul Mcgowan’s strike at Dens back in early December.

And the Arbroath defender reckons Campbell’s men have cause for optimism having already run Mcpake’s promotion hopefuls so close the last time the two side’s met.

Thomson said: “There was nothing in it that day.

“We honestly felt we could have left Dens Park with something but it just wasn’t to be.

“So I think we can take confidence from that. Dundee are on a great run of form and you can see why they’re beginning to look like serious promotion challengers.

“But hopefully playing against a team of that quality – with the likes of Charlie Adam in their ranks – can bring out the best in us.

“It’s a challenge that we’re looking forward to and we know what we’re capable of on our day.

“Everyone will be fancying Dundee so it will be up to us to try and upset the odds – and anything is possible,”

Arbroath’s Championship campaign has been a struggle so far this season but Thomson is adamant that in Campbell they have the ideal manager to help steer them clear of the danger zone.

He added: “It’s been difficult for us – no question of that.

“We feel we maybe haven’t had the rub of the green on some occasions.

“But we know what’s required of us between now and the end of the season and, to be honest, the gaffer is always drumming that into us. He’s got so much experience and has seen most things in the game which can only help us.

“The way he stays so upbeat is a massive thing. He’s never down and is always so positive.

“We want a better 2021. And if we can start getting points on the board then we can definitely get out of this situation.”

Boss Campbell reckons that hosting Mcpake’s men is a more daunting prospect now than a month ago – but he cannot wait for kickoff at Gayfield.

The Lichties manager said: “A few weeks ago Dundee were down in seventh place and they did not look like a happy club – however that has changed.

“They have good players there and I always knew that as soon as things clicked together they would start winning.

“Based on their recent form they will be disappointed if they’re not pushing at the top of the table by the end of the season.

“However, we will get on with things and whilst we might still be at the bottom of the table, we are going into this game looking to slow down Dundee’s progress and give ourselves a right boost.

“This game is a derby for us and it is great that we have the TV cameras here.

“It should be a great occasion and the only thing missing from it are fans.

“It would be great if both sets of supporters could be here to add to things.”

The Lichties boss is looking for his men to build on a positive final 30 minutes against Queen of the South last weekend and take the game to the Dark Blues.

He said: “We looked like a side that could score goals in that half an hour and that is the thing that has been missing from our game this season.

“There has not been a lot wrong and if we have put that right we will start putting wins on the board.”

Long-serving defender Ricky Little returns for the Angus side.