Dundee manager Barry Smith has urged the Dens faithful to be the 12th man for their promotion crunch clash against Ross County.
The Dark Blues have been blessed by a solid fan base this season while other clubs in First Division and even the SPL have struggled to win support.
That is something for which Smith is extremely grateful and he is keen to put that resource to good use when the league leaders come calling on Saturday.
County sit at the top on 42 points, second-placed Falkirk are on 40 and Dundee have 37. The Staggies have three games in hand on both of their rivals. So the importance of this fixture on the title race can’t be overstated.
Victory for the home side will make things very interesting indeed and Smith has issued a rallying call to the supporters to help make that happen.
”The fans have an important role to play because the players respond when they get behind them,” he said. ”With this game being what it is first against third in the league I would love there to be a big crowd cheering the lads on.
”Our crowds have been great this season they compare favourably to many in the SPL and the numbers have held up well.
”The supporters can be an inspiration to the players and I know from my own playing days that having a noisy backing helps spur you on. The players would appreciate them turning up in their numbers because it will boost them and may also affect the opposition.”
Former Scotland midfielder Nigel Quashie is expected at Dens today and, with word coming through about his high standard of fitness, he could even feature on Saturday.
Quashie (33) has not played for two years but is understood to have been training with MK Dons to maintain his fitness. If he shows up well on his arrival at the club then Smith may consider throwing him straight into the side.
Meanwhile, Nicky Riley will fly to London to see a specialist about his back problem. The winger has been suffering pain in his hamstrings and it has been linked to a problem in his spine so he is likely to receive treatment during his trip on Monday.
”We have been in touch with a specialist down south about Nicky and he advised to try once more to see if he could play for part of a game,” said Smith.
”But after 15 minutes at Queen of the South he was feeling his hamstrings again and they believe it is coming from his back. So he is going to fly to London, see the specialist and will probably have a small medical procedure.
”The doctor is confident it will work because he has had great success with it in the past.”
Dundee have sent youngster Ross Naismith out on loan to a second Highland League team.
The 19-year-old attacking midfielder has just returned from a temporary period with Huntly and he will now continue his develop at Nairn County until the end of the season.