DUNDEE WILL be without Paul McHale for the Alba Challenge Cup final after the midfielder picked up a groin injury, writes Ian Roache.

McHale hobbled off the park during the Dark Blues’ home draw with Queen of the South on Saturday.

He has now been ruled out of the Sunday showdown with Inverness Caley Thistle at McDiarmid Park.

“Paul is definitely out for the final, which is very disappointing,” said Dundee boss Jocky Scott.

“A first glance at the injury would suggest that he is going to be out for a wee while and this is one we could have done without given our present injury list.

“It was just the way he turned and there is not much we can do about it.

“We will just have to get on with it.”

Given the news regarding McHale, Dundee will be desperate to have fellow midfielder Brian Kerr back after he missed the Queens game with an ankle injury.

“Brian is working with the physio and the fact we have a whole week to get him fit will hopefully give him a chance.”

Scott reckons the clash with Caley at the Perth stadium can bring out the best in his side.

“It is a great venue for the fans and the players,” he said. “We couldn’t have hoped for a better place to contest a final.

“There will be a decent atmosphere and with our fans snapping up so many tickets so far there is a real buzz about the game already.”