Barry Smith determined to triumph in face of adversity by beating Hearts despite latest setback

Dundee manager Barry Smith has admitted he is being severely tested as a manager, after the latest injury blow to strike the club.

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The revelation yesterday that defender Brian Easton will be out for six to eight weeks because of a hamstring tear followed the news earlier this week that midfielder Mark Kerr faces an even longer spell on the sidelines because of cruciate ligament damage.

The injury to Easton, who lasted just three minutes of Dundee's game at Pittodrie last Saturday, is yet another serious setback for the Dark Blues as they try to avoid getting further isolated at the bottom of the SPL by beating Hearts at Dens Park tomorrow.

Smith conceded that he is being stretched to the limit as a boss just now but is determined to face up to the challenges.

''Brian will be out for six to eight weeks as he has a tear in his hamstring,'' confirmed Smith.

''Of course, it is not ideal and I will have to change things about at the back again.

''We just have to get on with things and maybe we will eventually get a time when I can put out the same team week in, week out.

''Somewhere along the line I am hoping there will be a positive rather than negatives all the time.

''I don't want to make excuses but this doesn't make things easier, but I enjoy being a manager and getting tested.

''I think every manager is the same in that they do want to get challenged — that's why you are in the job.

''I am looking forward to meeting this particular challenge.

''In the two years I have been here it has been great for me in terms of management because I think I have faced it all.

''OK, maybe not it all, but we have had administration and the rest that came with that.

''It has been a very steep learning curve but I think it will benefit me in the long run.''

Smith was at Tannadice on Wednesday night to see the Jam Tarts knock Dundee United out of the Scottish Communities League Cup on penalties.

The fact they had to play 120 minutes then go through a tense shoot-out could test the visitors' fitness but Smith doesn't believe it will be a factor.

''Hearts are a strong, physical team and it is up to us to make sure we combat that,'' he said.

''They went down to 10 men but didn't look off the pace so I don't think their having to play extra-time will be a factor in Saturday's game.''

Taken from The Courier