News: David Clarkson Backs Dundee To Shock Celtic In Scottish Cup

[TheDarkBlues]

 David Clarkson believes Dundee have proved this season that they are capable of knocking Celtic out of the Scottish Cup.

The Dens Park men face the Premiership leaders at home in the fifth round in February, having knocked Aberdeen out of the competition on Saturday.

In their two league meetings with Celtic this term, Dundee earned a 1-1 home draw and lost 2-1 in Glasgow.

"There's nothing to say we can't win that game," Clarkson told BBC Scotland.

And the striker, who has scored eight goals in eight games including the winner in the 2-1 victory over the Dons, added: "We'll be looking to go through if we can show the performances we've done this season.

"It's a hard tie for us but a home tie helps and facing anyone at home gives ourselves a big chance.

"We played Celtic last week, we had a good go at it and were unlucky to come away with nothing.

 "We go into every game looking to win it and cup games are no different. Aberdeen are a good side and there's no reason why when Celtic come that we can't put in the same performance and work-rate and go into the next round draw again."

Clarkson, 29, has been in superb scoring form since joining Dundee as a free agent in the summer.

And he admitted he is trying to repay manager Paul Hartley's faith in him with goals.

"I want to do as well as I can for anyone that takes me in," the former Motherwell, Bristol City and Bristol Rovers player added.

"The gaffer brought me in, I had a few knockbacks on the way there, but the thing for me is to show Dundee what they've got and what I can do. So far it's went that way, I've been lucky I've managed to take the chances that have come my way.

"This is the best run I've been on in my career and going into every game now I'm hoping to get a chance, and if a chance comes to me I'm confident I'll take it.

"It's a case of trying to get as many goals as possible. I think it was in 1920s the last time someone did it [scored nine goals in nine games for Dundee]. If I can do that, great, but for me it's just important that we win games."