Dundee chief executive Scot Gardiner has revealed that he was always confident that his side would be chosen to replace Rangers in the Scottish Premier League.

Dundee were invited to become the '12th club' earlier today by the SPL, and Gardiner revealed that he always considered Dundee to be the league's preferred choice.

"We were always confident that on sporting merits it was an open and shut case - however it is obviously extraordinary circumstances just now and so you could never be sure of anything," he told Sky Sports News.

"I received a call just prior to the SPL releasing their confirmation of it. Once again I can assure you that we will be accepting the invitation."

Relegated Dunfermline were the other club the SPL were considering inviting back into the league.