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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Steven Mair

James McPake rhymes off Rangers, Celtic and the Dundee Derby as buzzing promoted boss ready for the Premiership

Promoted Dundee boss James McPake is dreaming to taking on Glasgow's big two in the Premiership - and the return of the famous derby against rivals Dundee United.

The Dens Park boss masterminded a dominant play-off performance over two legs to consign Kilmarnock to the Championship.

McPake's side finished the job as they secured a 2-1 win in Ayrshire in a repeat of the scoreline up in the City of Discovery last week.

And a delighted McPake is looking forward to taking on Rangers and Celtic as he told Sky Sports: "The people in the club that have been working from home, you always know the backing is there. The ground staff, the office staff.

"This is going to give everybody a lift - we're back in the Premiership.

"We're back with the Dundee Derby, we'll be going to Celtic Park, Ibrox...

"It a lot of excitement back, hopefully we've got fans back all being well with what's happening in the world."

McPake has had setbacks and plenty of critics as some fans questioned if he was up to the job.

He even reckons they were right at times but also believes his side will match the top flight's best when they step up next season.

He added: "I should be happy but I don't look it!

"We've had some tough times. Everyone says we've got this massive budget. We've not - trust me!

"If you rewind back to the start of this season, the 6-2 game at Tynecastle, it was a real low point.

"We had a low point when Ayr United beat us 3-0 at Dens and we said: 'don't let that happen'.

"There's people in that dressing room now, when all your players are fit, all strong, we know we're a match for any team."

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