Steven Pressley wants Dundee to embrace challenge of trying to win at Hibernian

Steven Pressley has told his Dundee players to embrace the challenge of trying to win away to Hibernian for the first time in 24 years.

The Dark Blues have not triumphed at Easter Road since October 2001.

While manager Pressley is preparing for a formidable test against a Hibs team who currently sit third in the William Hill Premiership, he insists his players have to go to Edinburgh believing they can pull off a long-awaited victory.

“The team hasn’t won there in over 20 years, so that’s the task,” he said. “We’ve had some good results in that time, we drew there last year. But Hibs have been going about their business quite quietly and effectively.

“Of course, across the city (with Hearts being top of the table), that’s getting everybody’s attention, but Hibs are a good side. They went to St Mirren in their last game and won 3-0.

“They’re a strong side, a very athletic side. They’ve been building this team for a number of years and it’s progressing well, so, it’s a really, really difficult game for ourselves.

“But it’s a game we should really look forward to. It’s a brilliant arena to play in, Easter Road, great stadium, great pitch.

“It should be really exciting for our players. We have to go there and, first and foremost, make sure we put on the right type of performance.”

Dundee are second bottom of the table after losing five of their last six matches.

“Through difficult times, you have to remain focused, you have to remain resilient, you have to show grit,” said Pressley.

“I keep talking about grit. I say it time and time again. My own experience in football and watching even the national team this week, you don’t get anywhere without a struggle, without a bit of disappointment.

“We have to show the right character to get through this period. I believe we can or I wouldn’t be sitting here.”