Some of the players to arrive at Dens Park yesterday required no introduction, the announcement over the PA system that the likes of Jesus Navas, Fernando and Aleksandar Kolarov were to start for Manchester City made only out of a sense of obligation.

Their names were called out from the stands too as young Dundee supporters sought autographs during the pre-match warm-up.

There were two figures who stood out more for Paul Hartley, though, after a satisfying and eyebrow-raising 2-0 win for his side. The Dundee manager name-checked his two German trialists, Thomas Konrad and Luka Tankulic, and extolled their performances.

He will approach each of them directly today to discuss the prospect of retaining them on contracts ahead of the SPFL Premiership campaign. "Luka did very well up front. He held the ball in well and Thomas at centre-back was really strong," said Hartley, whose side won following a goal from Gary Harkins and an own goal from Dedryck Boyata during the first half.