League Cup draw throws up Dundee showdown

Dundee manager Paul Hartley. Picture: SNS

The newly-promoted Dens Park side, who are undefeated in six games, were drawn with the Tangerines in yesterday’s League Cup third round draw which means they will go head-to-head with their biggest foes twice in the space of a few days next month.

Hartley’s Premiership new boys host Jackie McNamara’s United on Sunday, 21 September at Dens Park in the league in front of the TV cameras, before making the short trip across the road in midweek for a second stint of derby hostilities in the cup at Tannadice in the tie of the round.

Hartley admits he cannot wait for the games. “The cup-tie should be a cracking game and it is great for the city and Scottish football in general,” he said.

“It is definitely the tie of the round and should bring a financial boost for both clubs. Hopefully, there will a full house and possibly TV coverage as well.

“With Celtic missing out on the Champions League, all clubs were losing their cut of the money so this will make up for it a bit. There has been no derby for something like 18 months and now we will have two in the space of four days or so.”

The draw also gave Scottish Championship leaders Hearts a trip to Celtic Park while the winners of the second-round clash between Rangers and Inverness will travel to Falkirk.

Holders Aberdeen are at home to Livingston while  Hibernian will face Ross County away.

Motherwell make the short journey to Hamilton, days before they host Accies in the league. There are two other all-Premiership ties in the seeded draw – Kilmarnock host St  Johnstone and Partick Thistle take on St Mirren at Firhill. The games will take place on 23-24 September.