Dundee’s Craig McKeown believes true grit and not fancy football will win the day in Livingston this afternoon.
The Dark Blues had to dig deep and show their battling qualities against Partick Thistle at Firhill on the opening day of the league season and also displayed great character to come from behind when they faced Ayr at Dens last weekend.
And even although Livingston have just made the step up from the second division, McKeown insists they will provide Dundee with a stern test.
He said: “Knowing we can roll our sleeves up to win away from home will stand us in good stead.
“It has the makings of being a similar style of game as the Partick one so we would be happy with any kind of win. It wasn’t pretty at Firhill to be honest. We might need more of the same grit and determination at Livi.
“It doesn’t matter how you pick up the three points as long as you get them on board and you can ask questions later.
“You can’t always be at your best but the important thing is you are prepared to dig in for each other.
“If we can do that at Livi, then hopefully it can kick-start the sort of run which can propel us to the top of the table and stay there.”
Having lifted the Division Two title last season Livi have an ingrained winning habit and McKeown believes that makes them dangerous opponents today.
He added: “Livi have started well. Some people see them as potential dark horses and one thing about them is they have been banging in the goals even this early.
“That will give them plenty of confidence going into this game so we have to be on our guard.
“They are a young side with players who will be trying to make a name for themselves in the game. In a way, they are a bit like ourselves in that they are giving a chance to youth and that’s the way the game is going in this country.
“They will be hungry and enthusiastic and desperate to try and better themselves just like our lads.No easy games”There are no easy games in this division and this certainly won’t be. But we have to realise what’s at stake and rise to the occasion to try and get the three points.”
McKeown’s boss has a happy selection headache with a full squad to choose from for the first time this season following Graham Bayne’s recovery from a calf injury.
He said: “It’s good that everybody’s fit. It means I have some difficult decisions to make but it is a nice problem to have.
“But that’s what being a manager is all about making those hard choices which you think will do the job.”
Livingston manager Gary Bollan said: “We are raring to go as this is the sort of game that makes all the hard work in getting promoted two years running worthwhile.”
The teams last met in a Scottish Cup tie two seasons ago.
Bollan added: “We gave a good account of ourselves that night and even missed a penalty before Gary Harkins produced a bit of a wonder goal to send Dundee through.”
Bollan also has a fully fit squad to choose from.