Pressley warns of four‑player deficit ahead of Celtic showdown

Dundee head coach Steven Pressley warned that his side will meet champions Celtic on Monday in the opening Scottish Premiership match while still four players short of a complete squad. The shortage follows the summer exits of defender Luke Graham and goalkeeper Jon McCracken, leaving the club scrambling for reinforcements.

Pressley said he is about four players short of a complete squad. He emphasized the impact of the missing personnel on preparation.

He stated the club aims to sign two experienced defenders and two more attack‑minded players. The targeted profiles reflect the gaps left by recent departures.

Pressley added that the club are working hard to bring new players in. He admitted that replacing Graham and McCracken will be "really, really hard".

The summer departures of defender Luke Graham and goalkeeper Jon McCracken were highlighted as key exits. Their loss was singled out as a major blow to the squad.

Facing Celtic on Monday, Pressley described the encounter as an "enormous" challenge. He reminded that the Glasgow side haven’t lost an opening‑day home fixture for nearly 76 years.

Pressley praised Martin O’Neill as "without doubt the right choice" to manage Celtic. He said he was not surprised by the veteran’s permanent appointment.

Pressley welcomed the new rule allowing 15‑year‑olds to play in the Premiership. He called any measure that enhances the development of young players "a positive move" and concluded that despite the difficulties he "likes those challenges".