By Graeme Dey

BRYAN DEASLEY has fond memories of the Tennent’s Scottish Cup after helping Dundee reach the semi-finals of the tournament in his rookie season, .

Now, as a campaign blighted by injury heads towards its conclusion, he is targeting a return trip to Hampden.

“It would be great for myself and the club if we could have another run like last year,” said the livewire front man.

“It was through the Scottish Cup that I really broke into the team, scoring two goals against Airdrie.

“And of course the run to the semis was the highlight of an otherwise disappointing season for the club.

“You need luck in the draw, but a number of SPL teams are going to go out in the third round and if we can overcome Queen of the South and get a favourable pairing then who knows how far we might go again.”

Deasley is one of only five members—Bobby Mann, Paul Dixon, Scott Robertson and Kevin McDonald being the others—of the side beaten by Gretna in the semis still at Dens.

“It’s basically a whole new team now,” he said.

“But for the younger lads still here the experience of last year will stand us in good stead.”

Deasley admitted though that Dundee need to master the art of taking matches by the scruff of the neck from the opening whistle if they are to remain involved in the cup.

“Queen of the South beat us last time we played them and it’s imperative we start this game well,” he said.

“We’ve started slowly too often. I don’t know what’s behind it but we’ve tended to be a team that comes into matches later on.

“That’s something we need to sort out because it is causing us problems.”

Dundee’s selection problems appear to be easing.

Player-boss Alex Rae and striker Derek Lyle, who both had viruses, trained yesterday and should be available.

Kevin McDonald (groin) won’t make it but Gavin Swankie (hamstring) has a decent chance.

The Dark Blues had wanted to recruit Rangers duo Bob Davidson and Brian Gilmour in time for today’s cup-tie but the uncertainty at Ibrox over the managerial situation has complicated matters, although the deals are not dead.

Meanwhile, Rae is calling for his team to continue their fine run at Dens, which has seen them lose only once at home since August.

“Being at our own place should be an advantage and we want to give our fans some encouragement by playing well,” said Rae.

Queens yesterday signed striker Stephen Dobbie from St Johnstone and completed the signing of defender Jamie McQuilken from Gretna.

Dobbie only recently returned to the Perth club after spending the first half of the season on loan to Dumbarton.

Manager Ian McCall said, “We have been playing well but lacking a striker who can be in the penalty area and take the chances we have been creating.”

McCall is still waiting on Steve Tosh finalising his negotiations to allow him to leave Gretna before he can join them.

While Dobbie and McQuilken come into the squad for today, McCall is waiting to hear if he can include his two on-loan players Dermot McCaffrey (Hibs) and Barry Callaghan (Dundee United).

In addition, Andy Aitken is injured while Willie Gibson is suspended.