BOB DAVIDSON, the Dundee forward, admits he has been surprised by Livingston's early pace in the title race and says his side will be wary when they meet in a top-of-the-table encounter today.

Livingston lead the division after six matches, a point ahead of Dundee, and have gained plenty of plaudits for the way they have played under the guidance of Roberto Landi, their new manager.

Dundee have dominated recent fixtures between the sides, having won seven of the last eight meetings, but Davidson insists it won't be so easy today. "We've done really well against Livingston over the last couple of years but that means nothing now," he said. "They've started the season really well, much better than I expected them to, so they'll get our respect.

"Their new manager has come in and made changes which seem to have really brought them to life. They've signed a lot of good players in the summer and are top of the league on merit. We're only a point behind so it's a big chance for us to get above them. It's very early days in the title race, though, because there are about five teams who will be thinking they've got a chance to win it."

Davidson led the line against Dunfermline last weekend when Dundee dominated the game and did everything but score. Alex Rae's side met Paul Gallacher, a goalkeeper in top form, and were entirely luckless in front of goal.

Davidson believes their fortunes will change today. "It was just one of those days last week and no matter what we did, we couldn't score," he said.

"In terms of play, it was one of the best we've played for a long time and if we keep that up then we'll win plenty of games.

Colin Cameron is likely to make his first start, while Jim Lauchlan may be in the squad following an injury lay-off.

Landi, meanwhile, wants Livingston to build momentum ahead of their third-round Co-operative Insurance Cup game against Celtic on Tuesday night.

The Italian will welcome back James McPake, the club captain, after injury at Dens Park today. "We have two big matches and we need all of our best players playing well," he said.

"Celtic is a game we're all looking forward to, we'll give it a go at Parkhead. But we have to improve our play after two defeats first and I need my boys to bounce back today.

"James has not been in the team for a few weeks but his thigh injury has got better and he has trained."