James Vincent had hoped to make a long-awaited return to the Dundee team against Aberdeen last month only to have his hopes put on hold by a “pregnant pause”.
There were no baby blues though as he welcomed a new addition to his family and after waiting patiently for another chance, he grabbed it with both hands, playing the full 90 minutes in the historic victory over Rangers at Dens last Sunday.
It was the first time the 27-year-old midfielder had played since the Partick Thistle game on December 28 and having finally returned to the side, he is determined to stay there – starting today at Motherwell.
Vincent said: “It was a great team performance last week.
“Everyone did their job after we had worked on exactly what the gaffer wanted us to do.
“We implemented it into the game and everything worked.
“Personally, I also felt I did well so positives all round.
“I spoke to the gaffer when I was out of the team and he just said he was picking a side that he was going to stick with for a while.
“I am always frustrated when I am not playing. Even if I have had a bad game I still want the chance to put it right, I never want to be taken out of the team.
“I want to be a mainstay of the side and I said that to him.
“I want to be in the team week in, week out. I think I can bring something different and I can add to the team every time I play.
“He just said I was doing fine, everything was good and there was no real reason (for being left out). He was just picking the team that he felt was going to win games at that time. Obviously, sometimes that comes off and sometimes it doesn’t.
“He told me to keep plugging away and I would get my chance.
“I was fine with that so when I got my opportunity against Rangers I had to take it so hopefully I will be playing in the next game and then kick on from there.
“My last game was Partick away and then I had a little niggle before the St Johnstone game on Hogmanay.
“We then had the break so I hadn’t played for four or five games.
“I was disappointed not to play as you always want to take part in every game.
“My fitness levels are always good so the level of play the gaffer is expecting is going to take a lot out of the lads.
“I hope I can give that for 90 minutes but if not there are lads on the bench who can come in and take over.”
Vincent revealed he had hoped if the timing was right, he could have played against Aberdeen in the Friday-night game at Pittodrie on January 27 but he was still by his wife’s bedside after the birth of their second child.
However, he admits if he is set to play against Motherwell, he will be getting his head down in the spare room in a bid to get a proper night’s sleep.
He added: “I was due to play in the Aberdeen game but my missus Nikki went into labour.
“On another day, you play the Aberdeen game and keep yourself in the team for the Inverness match.
“But it is what it is and that’s what happens sometimes.
“It was actually my wife’s due date, to be fair. She went into labour the day before the Aberdeen game and I hoped I would make it but it was a strung-out event and it didn’t work out.
“We have had another girl Zara so it is all good.
“I am just about getting some sleep but Thursday and Friday I am in the spare room if I am playing!”
Vincent and his family moved to Dundee in the summer after he left Inverness for Dens Park and he admitted they are enjoying life in the city.
He said: “It’s good living in Dundee. In fairness, I don’t get out a lot at the moment with the little one but I like the city.
“It is good and I have no bad words to say about it.
“We live just five minutes out but I am in all the time with the missus going about.
“She is happy and everyone is settled in so I am enjoying it.”
