Friends will become foes today when Dundee travel to the Falkirk Stadium.
Dens striker Graham Bayne and Bairns defender Darren Dods were the best of mates when they played together at Inverness Caley Thistle.
Now, though, they each have their own goal getting their new team out of the First Division and into the SPL. That will ensure there will be no old pals’ act this afternoon, with Bayne expecting a torrid time from former Dundee United man Dods.
“I am sure Dodsy will be relishing this one,” said Bayne.
“We were teammates on the park and friends off it up in Inverness for a few years so we get on well.
“He is one of the most difficult defenders to play against that you will ever find. That’s the biggest compliment I can pay him.
“The big man is a model professional and I expect nothing but a tough battle up against him. He doesn’t give strikers an inch. He is all over you like a rash.
“If we want to win we will have to find a way past him but hopefully we can manage to do that.”
The Dark Blues were well beaten by the Bairns in their Ramsdens Cup tie earlier in the season so will be keen to make a marked improvement when the sides clash again today.
Bayne watched from the stand that night as injury ruled him out but he insists he is ready to play his part as Barry Smith’s men attempt to build upon last Saturday’s fine victory over Raith Rovers.
“Away to Falkirk is one of the hardest away fixtures in the league no doubt about it,” said Bayne.
“However, we are going there on the back of a great 1-0 win at Raith last weekend with confidence among the lads high.
“The table is so tight, which is the nature of the First Division as everyone knows.
“I was impressed by Falkirk the night they beat us in the Ramsdens Cup. Hopefully, we can get our own back this time and get the three points we are looking for to get further up the table and really kick-start our season.”
Dark Blues boss Barry Smith, meanwhile, has a decision to make regarding his defence, with skipper Rhys Weston now available after injury.
His replacement at Kirkcaldy, Neil McGregor, was one of the star men for Dundee last weekend. Also available will be full-back Matt Lockwood.
Meanwhile, Falkirk are looking leapfrog Dundee in the table by taking all three points from the Dens Park side and extend their unbeaten run to eight games at the same time.
Falkirk boss Steven Pressley said: “We beat them 1-0 in our recent meeting and I would settle for a similar result.
“This will be another tough contest for our youngsters but they have not let anyone down at any stage this season.
“Dundee are a big club like ourselves so it should be an exciting contest.”
Defender Stephen Kingsley remains out with a knee injury and the Bairns will be without the suspended pair of Stewart Murdoch and winger Kallum Higginbotham.
Blair Alston and David Weatherston are expected to step up from the substitutes’ bench to starting roles.