Dundee assistant manager Graham Gartland was at Tynecastle on Saturday to see tonight’s opponents Hearts in action – and he admits he was impressed with what he saw.
With the Dark Blues having played Aberdeen at Dens on Friday evening, the Irishman and Dark Blues boss Neil McCann took the opportunity to see the Jambos up close against Motherwell.
The Edinburgh side had failed to win in their previous six matches but a Kyle Lafferty strike was enough to seal all three points against the Steelmen.
Gartland said: “Myself and the manager went to watch Hearts on Saturday against Motherwell and I thought they were really good.
“They started the game well and Lafferty caused trouble down the sides of the centre-backs which led to a goal.
“They showed a great resilience to see the game out in the second half when Motherwell threw everything at them.
“I thought they dealt really well with that.
“They have churned out a result which was important for them.
“Hearts are dangerous at Tynecastle and we certainly won’t be taking them lightly – I don’t think we are in a position to take anyone lightly.
“The best thing we have about our group is that we respect everybody we play against.
“We do our homework on them as you can tell but everybody in our team works hard for each other to make sure that teams likes Hearts are given a game.
“Hopefully we can have enough of the ball that their fans become frustrated with their own players instead of spurring them on.”
Dundee’s recent good run came to a halt against the Dons but having had a second look at the match, Gartland remains convinced his side did not deserve to lose.
He said: “I have watched the game back and obviously having being involved on the touchline, I felt we were well in it and probably had the better chances.
“I fully back us to go toe to toe with any team and the boys know that we back them.
“I felt we should have got something from the game against a really good Aberdeen side that has consistently been the second best team in the country.
“We were really happy with the performance.
“We have a big desire to win football matches but if our performances can stay at that consistent level, the results will come.”
Dundee have no new injury worries for the Hearts game with Gartland adding: “There was a clean bill of health this morning, which was great.
“Obviously, there were the usual knocks that you pick up in games but everyone is OK.
“They are all just bursting to play which shows the hunger and desire in the squad.”
