Dundee manager glad to have McGowan back

Dundee boss Paul Hartley has hailed the return of Paul McGowan.

McGowan came on as a substitute in Saturday’s 2-1 league defeat by Kilmarnock after an ankle injury had kept him sidelined for several weeks.

The 28-year-old midfielder changed the game for the Dark Blues, almost sparking a successful comeback.

And his manager is delighted to have him back in the top-team fold.

Hartley said: “It’s great to have Paul back.

“He did well when he came on and I think any team would miss his energy and drive.

“Paul’s just been really keen to get back playing because he hates missing games which is a good thing.”

Meanwhile, Spanish defender Julen EtxaBeguren is set to miss this weekend’s trip to Inverness as he continues to recover from an ankle injury.

The former Real Sociedad B star sat out Saturday’s Killie clash having come off in the previous weekend’s 1-1 draw with Hamilton.

And Hartley said: “It’s not one that we can rush with Julen.

“It’s a case of doing the right thing so he’ll be out for about another two weeks.”