Image source, SNSBobby Wales scored twice as Dundee beat Partick Thistle 3-0 in a bounce game on Tuesday before the on-loan striker joined up with the Scotland Under-21 squad. (The Courier - subscription required, external)
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Steven Pressley will be using the international break to look back on the season so far - and he can rightly be satisfied.
His Dundee side have gone well during the early knockings of the Premiership campaign, occupying fourth place with 10 points from seven games.
That is pretty decent - even more so considering the context.
After Dundee's 2-1 home win over Motherwell last weekend, Pressley described the season so far as "solid... considering there's been a lot of transition in the group, all the injuries and upheaval".
He is right - it has been another busy summer at Dens Park with a raft of key players departing and a host of new faces arriving.
That combination isn't always conducive to a positive start, but Pressley has got a decent tune out of his new-look group.
He has also had to deal with an eye-watering injury list that has forced him to heavily shuffle his pack and find a way of making do and mending to accommodate the absence of players like Simon Murray and Ashley Hay.
When you factor all that in, it further highlights what a good job Pressley has done.
But it does also beg a question that will tantalise Dark Blues fans - how much better can this team get once the new-look squad has fully gelled and the injury list has eased?
Football is very much about the here and now, but Dundee's trajectory could be an upward one over the coming weeks and months.
Image source, SNSLuke Graham and the Scotland squad are training in La Manga at the start of this week
Luke Graham says getting his first call-up to the Scotland squad was "pretty surreal".
The 22-year-old defender has impressed since making the summer switch to Stoke City, playing eight games so far in the Championship.
Sebastien Pocognoli included the former Dundee defender in his first Scotland squad - a pleasant surprise for the Graham family.
"My mum and dad were down because I had a game that weekend, so for him to call me the day after with them there it was pretty special - and they were fairly chuffed as well," said Graham.
"Obviously, it's a new manager, so everyone's raring to go and trying to impress but I just need to show myself up in the best way I can and hopefully try and get some minutes."
Graham has won eight caps for Scotland at under-21 level and he's hoping that experience can push him forward with the first team.
"It does help coming in fully for the first time but obviously I knew a couple of boys before that, anyway, with under-21s and stuff like that, so that helps to kind of bed it in as well," added the defender.
"Just to meet up with the boys today and then get that first session, obviously with the new manager and stuff, was pretty vital, so it was really good."
Ethan Hampton
Fan writer
Joe Westley was signed to be a goalscoring striker for Dundee.
But after an impressive makeshift move into midfield, that position was his to lose before he suffered a knee injury in December which kept him out for three months.
Since the split last season, we've gone back to Plan A with the striker leading the line. As a result, he's been the talisman finding the net again.
Fans feared the worst when Westley was taken off on a stretcher at Tynecastle two weeks ago. Despite a fractured cheekbone, he refused surgery and is now donning a mask to play.
The 21-year-old is the hero Dundee need right now. Three goals in 537 minutes of Premiership football is effectively one every two games. This is a subplot worth keeping an eye on as the firepower at Dundee's disposal is potentially the best it's been in years.
The past three weeks have been frustrating, but heading into the international break in fourth place is excellent going.
We have a good spine to the team with partnerships forming all over. It feels like we're a team moving from strength to strength and three weeks with no games serves as a chance for the squad to continue to build familiarity while injured players return.
Man United loan midfielder Jack Moorhouse - who was the Dark Blues' top target this summer - is one to watch after the break with this time to settle in.
Sportscene analyst James McFadden assesses Dundee's Scottish Premiership form.
Steven Pressley's side have taken 10 points from their opening seven matches of the Scottish Premiership season and sit fourth in the table.
Image source, SNSOwen Bevan and Ryan Astley have become Dundee's main centre-half partnership
Steven Pressley has praised his centre-half pairing of Owen Bevan and Ryan Astley for providing the foundation for Dundee's solid start to the season.
Welshman Astley, an Everton youth product, and Bevan, who joined the club from Bournemouth this summer, have formed a formidable partnership.
They were key players once again as Dundee beat Motherwell 2-1 on Saturday to move up into fourth place in the Premiership table on 10 points.
However, former Scotland defender Pressley is still demanding more from the duo.
The Dundee boss said: "I felt this was a big game because I remember going into the international break last year after a 4-0 loss to Aberdeen.
"So you have to enjoy a result like this, particularly with the transition of players and the injuries we have. We are still trying to find our rhythm.
"Ten points is not a brilliant return but it's a very solid start for us. There is more to come from us and that's what makes me excited."
Bradley Fink added to Joe Westley's penalty in Saturday's win. Alex Lowry pulled on back but Bevan, Astley and their defensive colleagues otherwise saw the game out well.
Pressley added: "The centre-halves have been outstanding since day one and are developing.
"Astley has been with us for 14 months and has really grown in stature.
"Owen is developing well but I want to see a bit more leadership from them. I want to hear them talking more and that's the next phase of their development – communication and leadership.
"But it will come with time and age, and we need that as a team at present. We need more leadership and I want a lot of people to grow into that role.
"I want many leaders and we will keep working on that."
Watch: Dundee hold off Motherwell at Dens Park
Dundee resist Motherwell's comeback to secure three Scottish Premiership points at Dens Park (UK only).
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSDundee striker Joe Westley believes helping his side to a Premiership victory over Motherwell proves he made the right decision to chose to play, rather than have surgery on a fractured cheekbone.
Westley wore a mask to protect his face during the game at Dens Park which the Dark Blues won 2-1.
And the 21-year-old played a big part, netting the opening goal from the penalty spot midway through the first half.
"I spent a couple of days deliberating last week after speaking to the surgeon," Westley told BBC Scotland.
"But I just wanted to keep in the flow of things and I want to be scoring, playing games, helping the team win and if I had the surgery I would have to miss a bit of time.
"So I just opted to wear the mask and I think I made the right decision after the goal and the win today.
"I think it will heel, it will just set in a different space so I might have a little dent in my head, but I would rather that and scoring goals than take a bit of time out."
Dundee were 2-0 up after 40 minutes but were pegged back by an Alex Lowry strike just before the break.
Despite Motherwell throwing a lot at them in the second half, Steven Pressley's side held out for the win which means they will be going in to the international break fourth in the table, with 10 points from their opening seven games.
"As you see today, and many a time, we've had games like that where we have really had to work hard and put our bodies on the line," the striker added.
"There is a real character in this group which we have shown time and time again and it is one of the things about this team, it's why we win games, because we are willing to do the hard yards and do things that other teams won't - it showed again today."
Dundee fans, we asked for your opinion on the hard-fought 2-1 win over Motherwell. Here's a taste of what you had to say...
George: Nice win. Now for a three-week break to lick our wounds and come back refreshed. Nice to see we are fourth. Keep that up and we will be in Europe next season.
Gary: If ever a team wanted to put fear and frustration into their own fans, it'd be Dundee! The second half seemed to last forever and maybe Steven Pressley should tell his team if they're playing out from the back, they don't have to do it every time! They can bypass and perhaps play it long instead? We invite pressure on ourselves - just play it forward!
Still, ending on a win for the break is the best result we could've hoped for after the last two home games.
Iain: Injuries? Not bothered, mate. We were excellent today. Bradley Fink was my player of the match, he was a class act and chased until he could chase no more. Owen Goodman was top class as well, despite the ref being pedantic.
Iain S: Third win of the season, and we go in to a long break hopeful of getting a few injured players back. It worries me that our stats often show 35% to 40% possession even in home games, as was the case today.
Rod: We never looked likely to lose this game despite a depleted team. We play nice football and defend well so who knows where we could finish this season. I'm starting to ask myself is third a possibility, if Hearts aren't as good this season?
Mark: Great three points. Need to continue making it hard for teams to come to Dens. In fourth after seven league games, think any Dundee fan would be happy with that!
Martin: We are one of the only four teams in the league with a positive goal difference - not because we are free-scoring but because our defence has been solid. If our defenders can stay injury-free, we have a great foundation to push on. Fink is getting better game by game, he holds the ball up well but has also got a bit of skill and pace, and now two goals in two games.
Dundee may need to use the free agent market to replace midfielder Ryan Finnegan, who is set for a spell on the sidelines (Courier), external.
Motherwell lost their third Scottish Premiership game in a row as Dundee made the most of two goalkeeping mistakes to clinch victory at a blustery Dens Park.
Image source, SNSDundee head coach Steven Pressley: "For both teams, it was a really important game, especially considering we're going into the break. You always want to go into that on the back of a positive outcome.
"This time last year, we lost heavily to Aberdeen and it was a long couple of weeks to endure. It makes the weeks far more enjoyable.
"It's not been an outstanding start, but it's been solid - considering there's been a lot of transition in the group, all the injuries and upheaval.
"It says a lot about the group. The game was very much a game of two halves. We tried to have more control in the first half and we made a lot of improvements in that regard, created a lot of good opportunities.
"We were a little disappointed to only be 2-0 up after 44 minutes. But credit to Motherwell, we lost our concentration in one moment and the game changed.
"They put us under a lot of pressure in the second half, but we found a way. I say that a lot about this group.
"We have principles, a way of playing, but you need more than that. You need players that can adapt, players that want to win duels, players that anticipate second balls. We did that to great effect in the second half and showed incredible desire to win the game.
"There's going to be period in games where you just need to stand up to it. These players are very good at doing that, and I couldn't be prouder."
Image source, SNSDundee striker Joe Westley could feature in a protective mask following his cheekbone fracture.
Ryan Finnigan (ankle) is a major doubt, while Zan Besir is suspended and Finlay Robertson drops out with cruciate ligament damage. Simon Murray and Ashley Hay are also out with knee injuries.
Motherwell remain without Johnny Koutroumbis, Oscar Priestman (calf), Paul McGinn, Callum Hendry (both knee) and Jordan McGhee (hamstring).
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSSteven Pressley admits Dundee's current injury problems represent "one of the most challenging periods" in his career as a head coach.
Pressley doesn't have his troubles to seek going into Saturday's Premiership visit of Motherwell.
Simon Murray and Finlay Robertson are out for the season, while Ashley Hay, Charlie Reilly and new signing Joe Wright are also sidelined. Joe Westley and Ryan Finnigan are doubts for this weekend's game.
Pressley said: "It is probably one of the most challenging periods in terms of injuries that I have experienced in my time as a head coach.
"And it is difficult to put our finger on it, there can be a number of reasons why we are in this situation.
"A big part of it has been bad luck, a lot of contact injuries, so it is a difficult time. But I have said time and again I love this group of players, they respond all the time to adversity and to challenging moments and I am certain they will do it again."
Dundee are sixth in the table having taken seven points from their opening six league games.
Motherwell, looking to bounce back from their 4-0 thrashing by Aberdeen, are a point above the Dark Blues.
Pressley said: "I think the weekend for us and Motherwell going into the international break is a big game.
"For ourselves, considering the challenges, if we were to go into the international break on the back of 10 points, I think it would be a really positive start.
"However, Motherwell will be looking at it in a similar lense so that is what makes the game a really challenging one."
A Dundee player leads the 2026-27 Scottish Premiership for tackles (Ryan Finnigan, 23), interceptions (Owen Bevan, 12) and possession won (Ethan Hamilton, 38).
Motherwell have lost their past two league games by an aggregate score of 5-0. The Steelmen could lose three in a row for the first time since February 2025 (5), and could do so without scoring for the first time since December 2018 (3).
Dundee have scored in their past 11 home league games, last finding the net in more successive top-flight matches at Dens Park between April 2013 and April 2015 (20).
Motherwell are looking to avoid losing back-to-back league visits to Dundee for the first time since October 2015.
Since losing four consecutive Premiership home games against Motherwell from 2017 to 2019, Dundee have now lost just two of their latest seven (W3 D2).
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Steven Pressley told BBC Scotland last week Dundee's focus this summer "was to build a strong but very unified squad with low numbers".
The only problem with that is a freak run of injuries will severely test your resources. That is the nightmare scenario Pressley currently faces.
The Dark Blues now have a lengthy injury list which includes a raft of players who will be out for the medium and long term.
The situation has worsened with Charlie Reilly and new signing Joe Wright picking up knocks in a closed-doors game.
They join the likes of Simon Murray, Finlay Robertson and Ashley Hay on the sidelines.
If you also factor in midfielder Zan Besir's suspension, it is a critical situation on the selection front for Saturday's Premiership visit of Motherwell.
While the transfer window may be shut, there is always the free agent pool, but that is not a market managers are generally keen to plunder.
Having a had a youthful bench on a few occasions this season, it may be an opportunity for some Dundee rising talents to stake their claim.
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSDundee head coach Steven Pressley has backed Luke Graham to "be a Scotland regular for many many years to come" after the former 'Dees defender was called into the senior national squad.
The 22-year-old left Dens Park to join Stoke City during the summer.
Established as a regular starter in the English Championship, Graham has been included in Sebastien Pocognoli's first squad as Scotland head coach.
"I messaged him when I heard the news," said Pressley. "As a football club and as a staff we couldn't be prouder. He is such a terrific lad.
"He has gone down there and made a real impact and he deserves this opportunity. He is a player I believe can be a Scotland regular for many many years to come."
Graham was a product of the Dundee youth academy.
He had loan spells at Lochee United, Albion Rovers, Montrose and Falkirk before establishing himself in the Dark Blues first team.
"I love his journey," added Pressley. "I think his journey tells you everything about him as a person.
"He was happy to go to the juniors, he was happy to play in League Two, he was happy to play in League One, play in the Championship. He was happy to do the hard yards, what is required to become a real football player.
"As a result of all that hard work, that adversity and those difficult times, you see the progression in him and as a club, Scott Robertson (Dundee head of football development) and his staff have done an amazing job bringing him through.
"Although I am exceptionally proud to see him progress to the full national squad, there are a lot of people who have played big parts in his development, but nobody more so than himself."
Pressley also believes Graham's rise to the international scene can help make Dens Park more attractive to young talent.
"As a club it is hard for us sometimes to attract the right players," he said. "But we have to sell the story of 'you can come here and we can give you the platform that allows you to get that to that next stage'.
"So it makes the selling of our story a little bit easier."
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSSteven Pressley has been speaking to the media before Dundee host Motherwell in the Premiership on Saturday (15:00 BST).
Here are the main points:
With a handful of players sidelined, Pressley admits: "It is probably one of the most challenging periods, in terms of injuries, in my time as a head coach."
But he joked it makes the team selection a bit easier because there are fewer players to let down.
On facing a Motherwell side thrashed 4-0 at home by Aberdeen on Tuesday, Pressley says "often a wounded animal is a very dangerous proposition".
He adds Motherwell have the second-highest possession in the league and "know what they are doing".
Pressley says if Dundee can win and go into the international break with 10 points from their opening seven games it would represent a "really positive start for us".
"We couldn't be prouder" after former Dundee defender Luke Graham was called into the senior Scotland squad, with Pressley saying he deserves the opportunity and can a Scotland regular "for many years to come".
The Dens boss praised Graham for his football journey - "he was happy to do the hard yards" and is getting his rewards - and says Dundee having stories like that to tell may help sell the club to potential future signings.
Team news: Joe Westley and Ryan Finnigan are doubts. Simon Murray, Fin Robertson, Ash Hay, Charlie Reilly and Joe Wright are all out injured, while Zan Besir is suspended.
Dundee forward Joe Westley, 21, has received positive news on his fractured cheekbone and has elected against surgery. (Courier - subscription required, external)
Image source, SNSLuke Graham says he has aspired to be like "fellow lefty" Andy Robertson and now they are international team-mates.
The 22-year-old Stoke City centre-half was previously in the Scotland squad without playing but has been called up by new national head coach Sebastien Pocognoli, with Robertson retaining his place in the squad.
Robertson has now captained his country at three major tournaments and joined Tottenham Hotspur this summer from Liverpool while Graham left Dundee for Stoke.
"It's a very, very proud moment for me and my family," Graham said of his senior international call-up before his club's weekend fixture with Sheffield United.
"One of the main reasons I play football is to hopefully try and play for my country. I've done it at 21s level so far, but to make that step up to the first team is just unbelievable. I mean, I can't really put it into words, really.
"Some of the players that they've got in that national team are Champions League winners, Premier League players. Learning from them will be absolutely vital.
"Andy Robertson, the captain of the country, he's been such a big figure in there for a number of years now. Being a fellow lefty as well, he was always someone that I looked up to and aspired to be like."
Dundee defender Joe Wright, 31, and midfielder Charlie Reilly, 24, are set for weeks on the sidelines after injuries picked up in a bounce game against Falkirk on Thursday. (Courier - subscription required, external)
Former Dundee midfielder Max Anderson, 25, is set to become the first Scot to play for A-League side Wellington Phoenix. (Courier - subscription required, external)
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSSteven Pressley says only having one game in five weeks is a "blessing in disguise" for depleted Dundee.
Due to their League Cup exit and the upcoming international break, their league visit of Motherwell a week on Saturday is Dundee's only match until 10 October.
With a number of players out injured - including midfielder Finlay Robertson, who has joined striker Simon Murray in being ruled out for the season with ACL damage - and midfielder Zan Besir suspended, Pressley's squad is being severely tested.
The Dens boss told BBC Scotland: "The real focus this year was to build a strong but very unified squad with low numbers because we felt that at a club like ourselves the culture and involvement of all players is very important and we thought we had got there.
"But with the news we have had recently it is very difficult.
"I also think to the summer, the length of time we worked on certain aspects. We worked with three strikers over the summer months and all three are out injured at present - Joe Westley, Simon Murray and Ash Hay.
"So it is difficult and that is why in some ways for ourselves the one game in five weeks is actually a blessing in disguise.
"It really is, because we have a new goalkeeper in the building, we have two new strikers that need to adapt, we have another midfielder in (Jack) Moorhouse, we have still got our new recruits in the summer trying to adjust to how we really want to play.
"So it is a big five weeks for us to be able to get on to the grass and not have the pressures of the game at the weekend.
"We are going to work really hard because there are a number of areas we really need to improve on that have been glaring in the opening five, six games of the season."
