Tayside and Central

On Tony Docherty: "We're very proud of what Tony does, his work ethic, the way he puts his team together. He doesn't leave one stone unturned and he prepares, prepares, prepares. Because of that, we've had a bit of success. Our goal is to stay in the league this year and Tony is making that look easier than it is.

"It takes some doing, but Tony has been in this game for a long term, he's well-versed, well-educated, has two degrees. He probably could have taken the step a while ago but he and Derek were a team and he was very loyal. Now he's a bit older, a bit more ambitious, and we're glad he made that decision.

"We have an idea of what we'd like but you have to go out and find those parts and Tony and the team did that. It was a bit manic during the summer and we're planning on not being that manic going forward. He's done a fantastic job in a very short period of time."

On Owen Beck: "We're hoping he stays until the end of the season. There's no way in hell he'll be here beyond the end of this season. He's going to end up with a full national team cap quite quickly. We love him, he enjoys being here."

On Aberdeen postponement: "We'll put a letter into the league and the SFA. We didn't understand why in the world we didn't take time, like they did at Cove. We were told by the league to do whatever we could do to get the game on, and it seemed like we were the only ones that wanted to do that. It was dry enough that we could have a training session."

Image source, SNS

Image source, .

Were you at Dens Park or following the match from home? Either way, we want your views on the game – have your say here.

Dundee manager Tony Docherty told BBC Scotland: "I was happy with the first-half performance.

"I came in at half-time bemoaning that our ball retention could have been better, but our defensive structure was very good and I stressed to the players - as we are an honest group - that the first 10 minutes against the Old Firm, it is really vital that you stay in shape and don't lose your discipline.

"And I just felt a couple times that they made those runs down the side and we succumbed to that. When Celtic get their tails up like that it's difficult. You can see the quality they are bringing on off the bench.

"That won't define our season, our reaction to it will define our season. When we lost to Rangers here and lost our 'run', our reaction was really positive to that. I'll be looking for the same from the players and I think they have the character to do that.

"It is important we bounce back from today, it's difficult for the players but they've shown us a real consistent level of performance this season."

Image source, SNS

BBC Scotland's Andy Campbell

The amount of chances Celtic carved, particularly on the left, encouraged them to keep at it and their persistence paid off with the Paulo Bernardo opener.

However, a second-half injury to Cameron Carter-Vickers will be a frustration given Rangers' impending visit on Saturday.

Dundee's counter-attacking game did not create too many openings, though a looping Zak Rudden header forced Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart to retreat and catch in the opening half.

Defensively, the Dark Blues were often effective in getting in blocks to repel both shots and crosses and it's easy to see why Tony Docherty's side find themselves in a comfortable mid-table position.

Image source, SNS

On-loan Liverpool left-back Owen Beck has recovered from a groin issue to start again for Dundee as Tony Docherty makes two changes from the side that beat Ross County last time out.

Cammy Kerr returns to defence as Ricki Lamie misses out, while Zak Rudden comes into attack as on-loan Wimbledon striker Zach Robinson drops to the bench.

There, he is joined by fit again centre-half Lee Ashcroft and forward Diego Pineda, but there's still no return for on-loan Burnley midfielder Marcel Lewis.

Image source, SNS

Image source, BBC Sport

Dundee: Carson, Kerr, Beck, Shaughnessy, McGhee, Bakayoko, Cameron, McCowan, Rudden, Boeteng, Donnelly.

Substitutes: Legzdins, Tiffoney, Pineda, Ashcroft, Mulligan, Robinson, Robertson, Howley, Sylla.

Celtic: Hart, A Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor, McGregor, O'Riley, Bernardo, Maeda, Palma, Furuhashi.

Substitutes: Bain, Yang, Turnbull, Oh, Kwon, Forrest, Ralston, Welsh, M Johnston.

Image source, BBC Sport

Dundee manager Tony Docherty believes his side can cause Celtic problems on Boxing Day, and want to channel frustrations positively after their game with Aberdeen on 23 December was postponed.

"When you get promoted, you look forward to playing these games," Docherty said. "It will be difficult, we understand that, but we're in good form.

"Regardless of opposition I've got huge faith and trust in my team that any time I set them up, it's to win football matches. Hopefully we can execute a gameplan that can cause problems for Celtic - that's what we'll be endeavouring to do.

"With the frustration of the Aberdeen game being called off, hopefully we can take some of that frustration out in the game."

Dens Park has been a tricky place for Scottish Premiership sides this season, with just two defeats for Dundee at their home ground.

Tony Docherty praised the fans for their part in that and asked for them to be as intimidating as possible when they welcome league leasders Celtic.

“Our fans have been fantastic,” Docherty said. “You saw them last weekend on an away trip and they have been brilliant at home.

“I know they will be there in their numbers and I’m hoping they are vocal.

“Certainly at this period it’s important everybody realises the importance they play.

“I want teams to come here and feel they are not just playing against the team on the pitch they are playing against the crowd in the stands as well.

“They have been there for the players and the players really, really appreciate it, they comment on that all the time, about how the fans do play their part as the 12th man.”

Image source, SNS

Centre-half Lee Ashcroft, on-loan Burnley midfielder Marcel Lewis and forward Diego Pineda are pushing for returns with Tony Docherty's side.

Meanwhile, on-loan Liverpool left-back Owen Beck, who was man-of-the-match last time out in their win over Ross County, is expected to be fit after struggling with a groin issue.

However, defender Antonio Portales is out until after the winter break with a hamstring injury.

Odin Thiago Holm is in contention for Celtic following illness.

Fellow midfielder Tyomoki Iwata has missed several games after picking up a knock, while Liel Abada and Reo Hatate are in the latter stages of their rehab.

Image source, SNS

Dundee could have Lee Ashcroft, Marcel Lewis and Diego Pineda back in contention after they missed last weekend’s win at Ross County through injury, but Antonio Portales is out until after the winter break with a hamstring injury. Owen Beck has been struggling with a groin issue but is expected to be fit.

Jack MacKenzie’s return from a hamstring issue means Aberdeen are at full strength.

Image source, SNS

Image source, Dundee FC

Sean O'Neil, BBC Scotland

Dundee's proposed new stadium - which is to serve as a multi-purpose venue - would become the city's "crown jewel", says managing director John Nelms.

After a concept image was unveiled on Friday, the American owner talked up the modern experience the new ground would give supporters, arguing it would appeal more to youth in the area.

"Right now, we're basically a 19th century building trying to put on a 21st century entertainment product," Nelms said.

"Being in a modern 5G stadium that has all the additions that go along with that will be fantastic, especially for the young fan that expects to have all the flash that goes along with being in a modern stadium.

"We're looking at being here for the next 125 years of a stadium with long-term investment into not just the football club but the city itself and other aspects we have investments in.

"The LEDs will give those modern effects that our fans have surely never been a part of. Having those types of things is going to be amazing. The ability to have large concerts in the city of Dundee, we think that's going to be amazing.

"Overall, we hope it's kind of like the crown jewel of the city of Dundee. It'll be glowing as you drive past it on the Kingsway."

Sean O'Neil, BBC Scotland

Dundee managing director John Nelms has been speaking to the media after the club unveiled a concept image for their proposed new stadium.

Here are the key points...

• The plans are an "accumulation of work since 2016", with the club now ready to put their proposal to the City Council.

• "Definitely pushing" for 2025 completion date, but admits that may not happen.

• There is a need for diversification with concerts and conferencing to be held at the venue, creating a "crown jewel of the city".

• Dens Park is a "19th century building for a 21st century entertainment product", adding that younger fans expect "flash" elements.

• "Really proud" of the way Tony Docherty's team has adjusted to life in the Premiership, looking at "enhancing that" in January and "solidifying their place in the league".

• The "ever-evolving" nature of the plans mean the full cost of the project won't be known "until we're ready to put a spade in the ground."

Image source, Dundee FC