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Dundee v Falkirk: Hartley says Championship is where the action is

Paul Hartley.
Paul Hartley.

Dundee manager Paul Hartley believes the Championship deserves to top the bill before the curtain comes down on the Scottish football season.

With Celtic having wrapped up the Premiership crown, Rangers run away with League One and Peterhead in charge in League Two, Hartley feels the focus should increasingly be on his division.

He has a case when you consider that every team has something to play for between now and May.

The Dark Blues and Hamilton Accies are locked in a battle for the title, while Falkirk, Queen of the South, Livingston and Dumbarton all have their eye on a play-off spot.

Livi and the Sons could also still be drawn into a battle to avoid the relegation play-off place along with Alloa, Raith Rovers and Cowdenbeath, while Morton are trying desperately to stave off automatic relegation.

So while most of the attention has been focused elsewhere, Hartley feels that could change.

“This league has gone under the radar a bit but it will get noticed more in the weeks ahead,” he said.

“Celtic have won the Premiership now, Rangers have won their title and Peterhead look strong.

“This is now the most competitive league in the country. There may be twists and turns between now and the end of the season because every team in the division has something to play for.

“Sides are either involved in the promotion race, fighting for a play-off spot or trying to stay in the league. It will be exciting.”

While the finale is sure to be frantic, the Dens gaffer is backing his players to relish the challenge, with Falkirk up next at home on Saturday.

“Falkirk have some good players and it will be another tough game because they will see this as an opportunity to try to get closer to us,” added Hartley.

“So we need to make sure we compete again and that our attitude is right.

“There is no room for error now but they have to play without a fear factor and go and enjoy it.

“They should enjoy being top of the league because there is no better feeling than that.

“It’s much better being there than at the bottom that’s where the real pressure is.”

Meanwhile, Hartley revealed that he has told Iain Davidson that he gets more out of him in the middle of the park than at the back.

Davidson has, of course, been a success in both roles but the manager said: “I think Davo is a better midfielder than centre-half and he is more used to playing there.

“I just think Tuesday night against Queen of the South was an excellent example of what he can give the team from midfield.”

The Dens men will be without Kyle Benedictus for the visit of the Bairns because he is suspended as well as being injured.

There is a slight doubt over Gary Irvine, who picked up a knock against Queens, while Kevin McBride will be back.