Dundee can take nothing for granted in bottom-six battle

I have to admit to being surprised at Dundee going into the post-split fixtures embroiled in a battle to avoid finishing in the dreaded relegation play-off spot.

I say that because they are a team that have steadily grown and improved as the campaign has wore on, and one which I have found one of the most enjoyable to watch.

Their five-point advantage on Kilmarnock in 11th may appear like a reasonable cushion to have going in to the final five fixtures but with the bottom-six sides now all playing each other the reality is anything can happen.

For all I have been praising Dundee in recent times, the stark truth is they find themselves in their current predicament because their points return has not been good enough having won just two of their past 12 Premiership games.

Head coach Steven Pressley praised the "character", "personality" and "resilience" his side showed as they twice came from behind to draw 2-2 at Killie last Saturday.

And those are traits they will undoubtedly need going into the bottom six run-in.

Pressley believes his side "probably need a couple of wins" to keep out of trouble. But given their recent run of results, that could be easier said than done.

In the 15 league games the Dark Blues have played against the other teams in the bottom half this season – Dundee United, Aberdeen, St Mirren, Kilmarnock and Livingston - Pressley's side have won five, drawn six and lost four.

That shows Dundee can take nothing for granted as the season draws to a close.