Paul Hartley targets top six leap for Dundee

Dundee manager Paul Hartley. Picture: SNS

The Dark Blues head to Pittodrie on the back of wins over Dundee United and Partick Thistle to keep alive hopes of sealing a top-six finish for the second season running.

Aberdeen have triumphed twice already this season in this fixture – winning 2-0 on both occasions – but Hartley is optimistic his side can change that sequence in front of the TV cameras.

He said: “We all know Aberdeen are a very good team. They are good offensively and at the back as well so have a strong mix.

“Derek McInnes is doing a great job but we obviously have to focus on ourselves.

“We’re on a decent bit of form just now. We’ve had two good wins in the league and want to keep that going if we can.

“Friday night’s game has the makings of a decent 90 minutes and it’s one which we want to do well in.

“We want to be looking up the table rather than over the shoulder and if we keep winning that will be the case.

“But we’re under no illusions about how tough it will be, although it’s a fixture we’re really looking forward to.”

Dundee have moved back into the top six but the league is so tight that they sit just five points above the relegation play-off spot.

And Hartley knows that their consistency levels will define their run-in.

“That’s what it’s all about,” he added. “We have been striving for it.

“Now we’re playing well and it makes a difference. The league is tight but we know what we have to do.”