St Mirren's Lee Mair believes Dundee could survive in SPL this year

Former Dundee defender Lee Mair believes the Dark Blues are in with a fighting chance of staying in the top flight this year.

The St Mirren player is not expecting his return to Dens Park on Saturday to be an easy one and believes the home team are in a good position for their first season back in Scottish Premier League in eight years.

Dundee had Rangers' SPL share transferred to them after the newco club were refused entry to the top tier and were forced to start life in the Third Division.

Mair spent eight seasons with the Dark Blues, including their last one in the SPL, and knows that the home fans will be out in force to make life difficult for Danny Lennon’s side.

He said: "It’ll be massive for them, it’s their first game back in the SPL at home. I played there for eight years so I know it is going to be a hostile environment.

"The fans will be up for it, the players will be up for it, and obviously they’ve got something to prove being back in the Premier League so it will be a tough game."

Dundee’s campaign got off to a positive start with a 0-0 draw at Rugby Park last week, inspired by veteran keeper Rab Douglas.

The 31-year-old, who also spent two years at Tannadice, played alongside current Dundee boss Barry Smith and Douglas during his time at Dens Park.

He added: "They’ve got a chance. Barry Smith was my captain when I was there, Robert Douglas was the goalkeeper and the assistant manager was my youth coach so they’ve got Dundee-men there.

"They’ve got people who know the city, know the football and know what they need at this level, so I won’t be surprised if they are in the league at the end of the year."

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