Docherty on sickness bug, hectic schedule & 'inspirational' Shaughnessy

Tony Docherty has been speaking to the media before Dundee face Rangers in the Premiership this weekend.

Here are the key lines from the Dark Blues manager:

• A bug swept through the squad early this week and affected around eight players, but Docherty is "close to getting everybody back".

• Oluwaseun Adewumi hasn't trained with the squad after coming off injured at Tynecastle last time out and is a doubt for Ibrox. Scott Fraser and Clark Robertson won't make the game at Ibrox. Ziyad Larkeche and Joe Shaughnessy remain out.

• Docherty is keen to reach agreement with Burnley to extend the loan of Adewumi beyond January. Contract talks with several players are "ongoing", as are recruitment plans for the January window.

• Defeat to Hearts stalled Dundee's "momentum" but Docherty points out they remain third in the form guide.

• He adds: "It was a little bit frustrating having the [two-week] break but we've spent the time well. We've done a lot of work on the training ground and in the analysis room so we feel good going into this next batch of games."

• The upcoming run of fixtures presents a "challenging time" for Dundee: "We've got seven games in 24 days and two of those are against Rangers and one against Celtic."

• Docherty adds: "It's difficult, it asks questions of the squad but it's why we've assembled the squad. We don't have the biggest squad but we have real quality and competition for places and that will be called upon now."

• The Dens boss expects a formidable challenge against a Rangers side hurting from their League Cup final loss but Dundee aren't going to Ibrox to "make up numbers", and Docherty insists: "They've shown really good form in recent games, but so have our team."

• On Shaughnessy starting light training after long-term injury, Docherty says: "Delighted. Great for Joe and the squad to see him on the training ground and taking part in sessions now, although it's limited what he does. Joe is a great presence, my first signing, such an inspirational character and having him on the training ground with us is a lift for the players."