Dundee manager Barry Smith has pledged that his team will be highly motivated for the Ramsdens Cup at Arbroath on Saturday and for as long as they remain in the competition.
The Dark Blues are among the favourites for promotion from the first division and the lower-leagues cup could be viewed as a distraction from the title campaign.
But Smith insisted his players are desperate to win every match they play and after lifting the trophy two years ago are keen to do it again.
“We play to win every game we are involved in. The club won the competition a couple of years ago. It was great for the players and the fans so we will be doing our best to go as far as we can.
“Winning breeds confidence and we’ll be looking to get off to a flying start against Arbroath. You do the pre-season work but everyone is looking forward to the first competitive match.
“The players have done all the work, so are desperate to just get the boots on and get out there.”
Smith has had Paul Sheerin’s side watched and knows his men face a stern test.
“Paul Sheerin has added a few players, such as Brian Kerr, and kept the likes of Josh Falkingham, Steven Doris and Gavin Swankie who were all big players for them last season. They will be up for knocking us out, so we won’t be taking them for granted.”
The Dark Blues will complete the signing of defender Neil McGregor on a one-year deal this morning.