Paul Hartley hoping for Dundee backlash against Inverness
Dundee manager Paul Hartley insists his side have put their cup exit behind them as they prepare to take on Inverness in the Ladbrokes Premiership at Dens Park.
The Dark Blues were knocked out of the League Cup by League One outfit Dunfermline earlier this week when their boss described their performance as unacceptable.
But Hartley is now focused on moving further up the league table.
Hartley said: "It's about moving onto the next game.
"Not surprisingly, we are all disappointed about the result on Tuesday through in Dunfermline.
"There is not a lot we can do about it now. We have spoken about it and looked back at the game and we know it wasn't good enough.
"We wanted a good cup run but we have missed out this time so have to think of the next game.
"It was a hard one to take but we have to make sure we get back, working hard again on Saturday to get a positive result before we go into the international break.
"If we get a good result, there is a chance we could get into the top four so that is what we have to aim for.
"If we could do that, it would be great to do so before the break."
Dundee midfielders Kevin Thomson (calf) and Nicky Low (groin) are expected to be fit for the clash with Inverness after returning to training.
Gary Harkins is suspended following his red card against Aberdeen while Phil Roberts has been told he is free to find a new club.
Julen Etxabeguren (hamstring) and Rory Loy (groin) are out while Luka Tankulic (ankle) and Simon Ferry (back) are doubts.
Inverness winger Aaron Doran joined the club's long-term absentee list after being ruled out for up to nine months following knee surgery.
Dani Lopez and Greg Tansey both went off with knocks against Hamilton and will be assessed. James Vincent is injury-free but will not return to action until after the international break while Jordan Roberts (groin) and Josh Meekings (hip) may also have to wait.
Gary Warren (broken leg), Richie Foran and Dean Brill (both knee) remain out.
Inverness midfielder Liam Polworth aims to provide a silver lining to Caley Thistle's latest injury blow.
Polworth has started four times and come off the bench once in the first five Ladbrokes Premiership games and he could be set for an extended run in the team after Aaron Doran was ruled out for the season.
Polworth made his debut as a 16-year-old in 2011 but he is still waiting for a sustained run in the starting line-up.
The Inverness-born midfielder said: "We know we have got a lot of injuries. It's a big disappointment because Aaron has been a big player for us for a few years now but we know we have other players who can come in and do the job instead.
"Sometimes that's all you need. It's unfortunate for players to get injured but it gives other people the opportunity to come in, and if they do well they stay in the team. We all know that."
Source: PAR
