Scott Allan believes Dundee can get it right second time around when they face Dundee United in derby number two.
The former Tannadice midfielder endured some stick from the away fans at Dens Park on Sunday but the banter wasn’t half as frustrating as the 4-3 penalty shootout loss to the Tangerines that followed the 1-1 draw.
The good news, as far as Allan and his teammates are concerned, is they get a chance to make amends when the city sides clash again in the last 16 of the Betfred Cup on either August 8 or 9.
Allan said: “It was disappointing not to win.
“We had a few chances in the second half and we could have won it near the end so it is a bit of a blow.
“We are just looking forward to getting another shot at them.
“I wanted to win but it wasn’t to be and, hopefully, we can put it right.
“We have avoided a few of the bigger teams (in the draw) and the way we finished against United gives us hope going into the next derby.”
As for the jeers that greeted his touches of the ball, Allan insisted they didn’t bother him.
“It is not the only set of fans I am going to take it from this year,” said the on-loan Celtic player.
“I am looking forward to it.
“It is part and parcel of football.
“What can you do? I can just try and play football.
“For me, it is just about getting better and better week in, week out, getting into games and getting as fit as I can be.
“It is the first run of games I have had since I left Hibs, if I am being honest.
“I need to get as fit as I can and hopefully I can play as well as I can.
“I need to do a job for the team here, that’s what it is all about.
“I hope I can silence them (the United fans) next time out.”
Before the derby, of course, there is the big Premiership kick-off on Saturday when Ross County visit Dens on opening day.
Allan believes that there were elements of the Dark Blues’ performance against United that will stand them in good stead when they face the Staggies.
He said: “I thought we struggled to get out in the first 20 minutes and play any football.
“They caught us a few times on the counter-attack and we didn’t really create much.
“However, the way we finished we created a lot of chances and our boys looked fit.
“We just need to take that in against Ross County and then the cup-tie.
“I thought Roarie (Deacon) had a very good game.
“He was very direct and if it is not coming from me then he can provide something and we have Paul McGowan, who can run all day for you.
“We can create from all areas of the park.
“We just need to put the ball in the net and hopefully we can do that in future.”
