Play with a smile - Brown
Dundee manager John Brown has told his players just to enjoy Sunday's Clydesdale Bank Premier League match with Aberdeen.
The Dark Blues know they could be relegated by the time the game with the Dons kicks off despite their recent revival.
Dundee are eight points adrift of 11th-placed St Mirren with just three games remaining, which includes their match with Aberdeen.
But Brown, who was named manager of the month for April earlier this week, wants his side to relax as they attempt to continue their recent run of fine form which has seen them beat Hearts, St Mirren and Kilmarnock.
Brown said: "I've just told them to carry on playing with a smile on their faces.
"That's what they've been doing up until now and that's what I want them to carry on doing.
"I've put no pressure on them since I came in and that has helped in terms of results and performances.
"They're enjoying their football just now which always helps.
"This is another big game for us and if we can play the way we have been we'll give ourselves every chance."
Brown has also urged the home fans to act as their extra man as they prepare to welcome the Dons to Tayside.
He said: "They've been brilliant since I took over. I think they appreciate how hard the boys have been working to get where we are right now.
"It's always great when they run out and get that kind of backing from the supporters.
"It really does help and if we can give them something extra to shout about then so much the better."
Dundee midfielder Gary Harkins has recovered from a rib injury which forced him to miss last weekend's win over Hearts but long-term absentees Stephen O'Donnell (knee) and Jamie McCluskey (Achilles) are still both ruled out.
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has begun attempts to strengthen his squad for next season by inviting Republic of Ireland Under-21 cap Rhys Murphy to train with the club.
The Dons say the forward will spend a couple of days with the club and is "just one of a number of players the manager will assess in the weeks before the season comes to a close".
Murphy began his career with Arsenal but did not make the breakthrough, although he gained first-team experience on loan with Preston and Brentford.
The 22-year-old represented his native England at several age levels before switching allegiance to the Republic of Ireland and has spent this season playing for Telstar in the Dutch second tier.
Despite the trial move, assistant manager Tony Docherty has told all the current Aberdeen players they still have the chance to ensure they remain at Pittodrie next season.
McInnes and Docherty take charge of their third game when Aberdeen play Dundee at Dens Park tomorrow and are looking to build on two clean sheets.
Docherty told RedTV: "Of course, we have identified players. Recruitment is important for the club so we wouldn't be doing our job if we've not done that.
"But recruitment starts from within, so the players that are here at the moment we're getting to see them on a daily basis which is great, and watch this space."
Docherty also gave further encouragement to the young players at Pittodrie after 17-year-old midfielder Craig Storie made his debut in last weekend's 1-0 victory over Kilmarnock.
Docherty added: "I've got to say there's many things we've been impressed with at the club since arriving but certainly the under-20s, having just cemented second place in the league, and every game we've been at we come away feeling enthused and excited by these young players in terms of the future for Aberdeen.
"There is real quality in the under-20s and it bodes well for Aberdeen Football Club."
McInnes will make a decision on the fitness of captain Russell Anderson.
The defender did not train on Friday after missing last weekend's win over Kilmarnock with a hamstring injury but will do some light training with a view to playing at Dens Park.
Defender Andrew Considine (broken leg) and midfielder Chris Clark (broken ankle) are out for the rest of the season.
Source: PA
