Dens’ ‘12th man’ lifts Dundee – McCracken

Dundee supporters can be the classic “12th man” for the Dark Blues when Rangers come to town tomorrow.

The Dee go into the contest on the back of a confidence-boosting victory over Aberdeen that pushed them back into the top six.

They have picked up 10 points from the last 12 at home with only a last-gasp Kilmarnock equaliser denying them four straight home wins.

The Dundee squad is under no illusions how difficult it will be to stop Philippe Clement’s team.

Especially after the Ibrox side ran out 5-0 winners on their last Premiership visit.

Goalkeeper Jon McCracken insists the home crowd can make a big difference.

“I thought against Aberdeen they were full force and helped us get over the line,” the on-loan Norwich man said.

“Aberdeen came in good numbers but our fans backed us.

“That’s a good 12th man for us. A cliche, I know, but it definitely helps us.

“Sunday is another big game but a different challenge.

“We’ve been good of late at home, even with the Kilmarnock blow.

“It was still a good performance for the majority of it so we’re going to take confidence.

“We won’t be daft, we know this game is going to bring its challenges.

“But it’s a confident dressing-room here and we’ll look forward to Sunday.”

McCracken is one of those playing with confidence since stepping in after Trevor Carson’s injury.

The young Scot has played six times over two loan spells at Dens Park.

Wednesday, though, was his first clean sheet – something he’s keen to add to.

“It’s nice to get the first one ticked off. It’s like a striker ticking off his first goal,” he said.