New Dundee boss Jim McIntyre said he's prioritising the fundamentals of hard work and resolute defending in a bid to help the team climb the Premiership table.

McIntyre was appointed by the Dark Blues on Tuesday less than 24 hours after Neil McCann was sacked.

The former Ross County boss admitted he faces a "huge challenge" to transform the fortunes of the Dens Park club, who currently languish bottom of the Premiership after winning just one game in their first eight.

But McIntyre is confident of completing the turnaround given the quality of player at his disposal.

He said: "We have a huge challenge, we're bottom of the table and have to pick up points as quickly as we can.

"We're under no illusions it's going to be a difficult task but I firmly believe we have players more than capable of picking up points.

"There have been games where they have been very unfortunate, it's just a matter of trying to get that rub of the green and a bit of belief back into the players."

The new Dundee manager's first match in charge is against Gary Holt's high-flying Livingston, who are fifth upon their top flight return.

McIntyre said the focus is on installing a strong work ethic as he looks to halt the slide.

"Football changes very quickly," he added.

"There's no doubt we've a talented bunch of players but what we need to do is make sure we're really hard working and difficult to beat.

"Equally, the players have to stand up and be counted too.

"There have been costly individual mistakes but they happen, you have to move on.

"It's my task to put the confidence into them to try and get results.

"Being good in both boxes is the key to winning football matches, that's where we have to improve."