Source: Team_Talk
McGhee: Dundee have a way to go
Bankrolled by multi-millionaire businessman Calum Melville, Dundee have defied the credit crunch by spending big in a bid to land the First Division title.
But they have made an indifferent start to the season, winning just two of their six league games and McGhee believes Jocky Scott's team have a long way to go before they can be considered on a par with his side.
"I think that they have the ability to make it to the SPL but they still would have to improve their squad," McGhee said.
"Although they've invested in the summer, they haven't caught us yet in that sense.
"On the night, of course, there are all sorts of factors that can balance the tie; we'll be wary about that.
"But, I think they've still got work to do before we should consider them to be on equal terms with us."
Jimmy Calderwood is thought to have lost his job as Dons boss after suffering one too many shock defeats in cup competitions.
Successor McGhee believes a win could provide the platform for a decent run in the League Cup.
He said: "I certainly as a manager don't want to be losing in cups to teams from lower divisions.
"After that, I think it represents a big opportunity.
"A decent draw and you could find yourself in a semi-final.
"We're not playing another SPL club; we're not playing one of the Old Firm; we're playing a team from a lower division.
"We should recognise it as that and have no fear of going there and taking the opportunity with both hands."
McGhee freely admits all the pressure is on his side, adding: "If we go there and beat Dundee, we'll only have gone there and done what people expect and I don't imagine we'll get a great deal of credit for it.
"But if we were to lose then obviously it would be headline stuff."
Despite attempting to put Dundee in their place, McGhee is expecting a difficult game.
"I think it's a hard tie for us," said the Dons boss, who revealed his players had practised penalties and he knew the order of his spot-kick takers.
"Dundee are very well fancied this year in the First Division, having invested in the summer.
"And although they have not made the start that they dreamed about, I think they will improve and will go on improving as they gel.
"I think we've probably got them at a good time and that they will get better."
McGhee admitted the club are no nearer to getting to the bottom of Zander Diamond's knee injury, revealing the defender would visit a specialist in Glasgow on Tuesday.
He added: "He's not making a lot of progress and it's a bit of a concern."
Aberdeen Evens, Dundee 9/4, Draw 9/4
