The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
McCann hoping for wall of noise against Rangers as Dark Blues seek to end Premiership woes
Neil McCann has called on fans to create a cauldron of noise at Dens Park after vowing his side will show no fear against Rangers.
The Glasgow giants arrive in Tayside tomorrow night desperately seeking to bounce back from their abject 2-0 defeat against Hamilton last weekend, which was the first time Accies had won a league game at Ibrox since 1926.
McCann is no stranger to magical nights under the floodlights from his two stints as a Dee player and is desperate to enjoy another unforgettable evening.
Dundee were roared on by more than 5,000 fans against Kilmarnock as a hard-fought 0-0 draw ended their run of four defeats on the bounce, and McCann wants more of the same after insisting his rock-bottom hosts are ready to go toe-to-toe with Graham Murty’s men.
McCann said: “The sun doesn’t last too long at this time of the year, so we are already playing under the lights! But when it comes to an evening game, then it always had that really special feeling.
“I hope we get a big crowd in to support us because the crowd on Saturday – not far away from 6,000 – was fantastic on a really cold November day. We’re looking for that same turnout again.
“It’s against a tough side, but I don’t believe that we have shown fear against anyone this season and we will put in a power of work to make sure we are prepared. Hopefully we go on and give the supporters the three points they are striving for.”
Meanwhile, McCann has praised the impact of experienced goalkeeper Elliot Parish.
The 27-year-old made his home debut against Killie after coming into the side to replace Scott Bain, who remains unavailable for selection subject to an internal investigation, and made a fine late save to deny Lee Erwin.
McCann added: “Elliot didn’t have a lot to do, but that is when a goalkeeper shows you how good he is – when the concentration levels are that high. It was a super stop. He has waited a long time for an opportunity and has come into the team, and I thought he looked really comfortable.”