Dundee manager Paul Hartley has targeted former team-mate Barry Robson as a threat to their hopes of ending a three-game losing streak with victory against Aberdeen at Dens Park tomorrow.
Hartley is an admirer of former Celtic colleague Robson who has started the last two games for the Dons following Ryan Jack’s injury.
Hartley and Robson both played leading roles back in 2008 as Gordon Strachan’s Parkhead side won the SPL title and the Dark Blues manager is well aware of the threat posed by the 35-year-old former Scotland international.
Hartley said: “Barry still looks as fit as ever, getting about the park.
“What he’s got is terrific delivery from set-pieces. It’s something we have to be aware of on Saturday.
“He’s been a terrific professional and still enjoys playing which is important.
“With Ryan Jack being out, he’s a big player for them.
“He knows he’s getting on but he’s got great football intelligence and knows he can play.
“He lets Willo Flood do a lot of the spadework but when Barry gets the ball you know he’s going to create something. We’ve got to be wary of that.
“At Celtic, we worked well together. He was about 27 or 28 when he hit the big time from Dundee United, as I did moving to Celtic from Hearts.”
Hartley knows Dundee will have their work cut out after three defeats on the spin in the double-header derby against Dundee United and Ross County, but is backing his players to rise to tomorrow’s challenge against the Dons.
He said: “We’re coming up against a very good Aberdeen side. I’ve seen them more than anyone this season. They should have won the game against St Mirren.
“I think the two up front for Aberdeen – Adam Rooney and David Goodwillie – have looked very good. Derek McInnes has changed it in the last couple of weeks.
“I think they’re excellent to watch and I think they’re a very good team.
“They have pace, from middle to front and the two full backs and they play with a bit of freedom.
“But our players are looking forward to it and are confident. We want to go into the international break with a good, positive result.”