Dundee vs Ross County preview - Rae poised for Dundee return

Dundee look set to hand a second debut to midfielder Gavin Rae against Ross County at Dens Park.

Former Scotland international Rae, who started his career at Dens Park before leaving for Rangers, quit Cardiff in the summer and has signed an initial deal until January.

Striker Jake Hyde has been ruled out with a knee injury, but midfielder Nicky Riley and front man Leighton McIntosh are expected to shake off knocks.

Manager Barry Smith, a former team-mate of Rae's, said: "I'd expect that Ross County would come here full of confidence after going on a run of six games unbeaten.

"But it's about time that we used being at home to our advantage and got a win here. I'm sure having a high profile player like Gavin available for this game has given the players and supporters a lift."

Ross County will be without suspended striker Steven Craig.

Craig sits out the fourth game of an eight-match ban, but manager Derek Adams otherwise has a full-strength squad to choose from as his side look to consolidate in second place.

Adams said: "We might be on a good run, but there's a long way to go.

"It was great to defeat Ayr in our last game as it built on a good performance against Raith Rovers the week before and hopefully we'll continue that progress.

"The reports I received from Dundee's home defeat to Hamilton is that they played very well that day so we'll be on our guard."