Barry Smith insists Dundee can make it three

The Dark Blues recorded two victories over the Edinburgh team in a difficult season back in the top flight. And Smith believes they are capable of making it three. He said: “We have had two good results against them so far. That should give us confidence as they were both decent performances.

“We know what we have to do and we have got to go out there and show that we can get the three points.

“Hearts are a good side as they’ve just shown by getting to the final of the League Cup. But we have to concentrate on what we do and hopefully come away with another positive result.”

Dundee have drawn their last two games against Hibs and Kilmarnock to leave them 11 points adrift at the foot of the table. But Smith insists there remains a firm belief within the Dens Park camp that they can bridge that gap.

He said: “I have faith in this group of players.

“We know there’s a bit of a gap but in no way is it outwith our reach to make that up between now and the end of the season.

“We have to take each game at a time and go for the three points.

“It’s not going to be easy but we knew all along it was going to be a difficult season. However, I’ve been encouraged by our last performances.

“With a little bit of luck we could have won both games, but we do have to start ptting the ball in the back of the net.”