It was a day to remember for everyone connected with Dundee United however Ryan McGowan had more reason than most to celebrate on Saturday.
The 25-year-old Australian, who only signed for the Tangerines two Fridays ago after a spell playing in China, was handed a dramatic debut against Aberdeen at Hampden in the League Cup semi-final.
The full-back more than played his part in helping his new side come storming back against the Dons to secure a place in next month’s final.
The victory was the perfect end to a day that began with McGowan who has won 12 caps for his national side watching the Socceroos pick up their first major international trophy by beating South Korea to clinch the Asian Cup.
He said: “It was a great start to the day as I watched it on TV in the hotel room before coming to Hampden.
“I’m delighted for them to win the Asian Cup and us winning against Aberdeen makes it a really good day for me.
“I’ve been in and out the international squad for a while now so I know all of the boys and I’m delighted they managed to win it.
“There haven’t been any texts because they are still out celebrating. I’ll wait until they sober up and I’ll make contact.
“Coming over here to play big games and get to cup finals should increase my chances again with Australia.
“We have the Scottish Cup game next week and I always look forward to that.
“It’s a good chance to perform here and if anything comes of it with the Socceroos that’s an added bonus.”
McGowan insisted that the chance of cup final glory wasn’t the prime factor in making the decision to join United.
Rather it was the opportunity to work again with boss Jackie McNamara who had the player on loan during his time in charge of Partick Thistle that made his mind up to move to the City of Discovery.
McGowan said: “I have a great relationship with the gaffer and he didn’t really have to sell the club to me.
“It’s a well-run club and it’s one that is producing a lot of young players. It’s an attacking side too and you saw that against Aberdeen.
“I wasn’t sure if I’d be starting but I’m delighted to get 90 minutes under my belt.
“It’s been eight weeks since I last played it’s a long time between drinks, as they say.
“All the boys have been great and spoke to me throughout. I thought Calum Butcher and Paul Paton did a great job protecting and covering me.
“It was a solid defensive look and it’s great to be back playing.”
McGowan admitted he is delighted to be at a club determined to play attacking football, even if as a defender it can be pretty hairy at times.
He added: “United have produced great players and the manager has brought through lads from the lower leagues and given them a chance to perform.
“That’s credit due to the gaffer and we always try to put others on the back foot.
“Against Aberdeen we had such an attacking team.
“Its great to look up and see us attacking with five men, but a bit worrying that if they lose the ball we’ll be outnumbered.
“But that’s the way we play and we try to make it work.”
McGowan was formerly with Hearts and he helped the Jambos to an unforgettable 5-1 Scottish Cup Final victory over Edinburgh rivals Hibs in 2012.
He admitted that feat will be difficult to top however he is determined to add a League Cup Winner’s medal to his collection.
He added: “I think that one is hard to beat. It was huge and is something that is never going to happen again for another 100 odd years.
“I want to win as much as I can in my career. I was lucky to win the Scottish Cup with Hearts and I won a cup in China so I want to win this League Cup too.”