Mark Warburton’s preparations for Dundee did not include a first visit to Celtic Park

“If I thought it would be beneficial I would have gone but I sat at home watching Aberdeen versus Dundee. People go to games sometimes for the sake of it, to tick a box. You don’t just go for the sake of being seen in the crowd.

“Paul put it in the press that he was going to play different personnel. He indicated who he was going to drop and was true to his word.

“That tells us they have strength in depth because they went to Celtic – who are top of the table – and played with confidence and belief in what they’re doing.

“It wasn’t a lucky draw. So good luck to him, it’ll be a good test on Saturday but we’ve got to look forward to that and enjoy it, surely.”

Hartley, the Dundee manager, will field his best available team at the weekend, as will Warburton who insisted this would always happen even if his side did not enjoy such a gap over Hibernian.

“I cannot understand how anyone talks about a winning mentality on one hand and then weakens their team for a cup game,” he said.

“Dundee will come here looking to win a trophy because winning silverware will be their aim. Our job is to deliver our level of performance. So we look forward to it, there’s nothing to fear.”