Simon Murray: Dundee’s derby win boosts confidence ahead of Rangers clash

Simon Murray revealed Dundee’s thrilling derby win before the international break has the dressing room in fine fettle ahead of the visit of Rangers on Saturday.

The Dens Park striker scored a 90th-minute penalty in the 4-2 William Hill Premiership win over Dundee United at Tannadice in their last outing, their first victory in six matches in all competitions.

Murray noted that the Light Blues also produced a terrific result in beating Celtic 3-2 at Parkhead on the same day but was taking further confidence from the 1-1 draw against Rangers on Tayside in January.

He told Sky Sports Scotland: “As much as it’s not been the best of seasons for us so far, we’ve shown in real moments what a team we can be, if we’re at it on the night.

“So I think it’s a great game, going in against Rangers.

“Obviously, they had a good Old Firm victory in the last match, but we also had a good derby win, so the boys are looking forward to it.

“There’s a real buzz about the place and we just need to make sure that from now until the game, we’re doing everything we can to get ready for it.”

Despite the win over neighbours United, Dundee are in the relegation play-off spot, five points ahead of bottom side St Johnstone with eight fixtures remaining.

Murray added: “Obviously, when you’re down there and you’re fighting, every game in this league is hard, but especially when you’re down the bottom.

“I would say the most important thing is to not feel sorry for yourself, feel down.

“You need to come in your workplace every day, give a hundred per cent and just make sure the morale is as high as possible around the place.

“Obviously winning that last game really helps. When you’re winning games and getting good moments, that brings you closer together as a team.

“So it’s just about learning from any disappointments, putting it to one side and kicking on.”