Dundee midfielder Ethan Hamilton expressed confidence ahead of his team’s Scottish Premiership opener against Celtic, which takes place at Celtic Park tomorrow evening. The match presents a formidable challenge, as Celtic has not lost a home opening day fixture in 76 years.
Hamilton credited manager Steven Pressley’s steady and pragmatic leadership style for helping the squad maintain composure and focus. Pressley, known for his emphasis on incremental improvement, aims first to secure top-flight survival this season before targeting further progress. The midfielder highlighted how having players familiar with Pressley’s methods has aided squad cohesion and accelerated the integration of new team members.
“The manager just takes it bit by bit and that will be the main objective – to secure that first and then progress from there,” Hamilton said. He noted that the coaching staff’s clear expectations regarding possession and defensive structure provide a framework within which players have creative freedom.
Despite the daunting task of facing the reigning champions on their home turf, Hamilton stressed that Dundee will approach the game with ambition and a detailed game plan. He reflected on the close contests against Celtic during the previous season as a source of confidence. “We know that the first game of the season will be a tough task, but one that we’re prepared for and really, really looking forward to,” he said.
Dundee enters the Premiership season following a strong finish last term and a positive pre-season campaign, including progress to the next stage of the Premier Sports Cup. Hamilton described the squad as being in good physical and mental condition ahead of the season’s start.
The match will be broadcast live, with Hamilton likely to face Celtic captain Callum McGregor, a challenge he welcomes. Hamilton praised McGregor’s long-standing quality and expressed enthusiasm for competing against top-tier talent. Reflecting on his own career, Hamilton spoke about the positive transition since joining Dundee after several years playing in lower divisions in England.
He emphasized his ongoing development under Pressley’s guidance, noting that the manager’s focus on individual player growth defies assumptions that older players reach a plateau. “He’s massive on that kind of individual development at every age,” Hamilton said. “He’s really good in that way. I think he’s just giving me the confidence to go and play.”
At 27, Hamilton sees this stage of his career as a fresh and rewarding chapter, driven by the opportunity to compete at a higher level while continuing to evolve as a player.