Tony Docherty says the transfer wrangle between Hibs and Dundee won't stop him picking Luke McCowan this weekend.

Ahead of Saturday's Scottish Premiership clash at Easter Road, the Dens Park boss has reiterated his belief that the ongoing interest in his captain has had no effect on his day-to-day focus. Dundee have made a strong start to the season, thumping Airdrie 6-1 in the Premier Sports Cup last Saturday, a week after beating Hearts 3-1, with McCown at the heart of it.

With Hibs in need of a victory following two consecutive defeats to start the league season, Saturday's fixture is primed to be an entertaining affair. McCowan's future creates an intriguing subplot, with Hibs having had two offers for the 26-year-old knocked back while a third offer is understood to be under consideration by the Dark Blues hierarchy. But Docherty, who says there's been no further movement around McCowan's future, is convinced the only thing on the midfielder's mind is securing another three points for his team.

“It doesn’t affect my thinking,” Docherty said.  “And I’ve spoken to Luke like I do on a daily basis and he’s fully focused. He is a Dundee player, he’s fully committed to Dundee and you can see that in the performances he’s been putting in. He’s fully committed to putting that in again on Saturday.

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“Luke and the boys have had a couple of brilliant training sessions the last couple of days,” Docherty added. "The boys are in a really good place and Luke typifies that by driving standards. That’s why he’s such an integral part to all we’re doing at the moment. So, no news on him, we’re just preparing for what will be a tough game at Easter Road on Saturday.”