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Paul McMullan reveals manager demand that turned him into Dundee’s new fox in box

Paul McMullan spins away in celebration after notching for Dundee against Hamilton Accies. Image: SNS.
Paul McMullan spins away in celebration after notching for Dundee against Hamilton Accies. Image: SNS.

Paul McMullan has already scored a goal of the season contender with a 35-yard wonder strike against Ayr in October.

However, the 26-year-old was equally as pleased with close-range finishes in Dundee’s last two games that have answered his manager’s call to be more of a “fox in the box”.

McMullan, who was named the cinch Championship player of the month for November earlier this week, has also been set a double-figure goals target this season by boss Gary Bowyer.

And the former Celtic, Dunfermline and Dundee United winger is determined to add to his tally when the Dark Blues play Inverness in the Highlands today.

McMullan said: “It’s good to win the award and says a lot about how good a month we had in November.

Paul McMullan celebrates with Zak Rudden after the pair combined to open the scoring against Hamilton.
Paul McMullan celebrates with Zak Rudden after the pair combined to open the scoring against Hamilton. Image: David Young/Shutterstock.

“We won all three league games and got through in the Scottish Cup, so we can be happy with the last few weeks.

“Personally, I have scored a few goals as well and that is something I have been wanting to do.

“I have been aware of needing to score more often.

“You just want to contribute as many things as you can, goals and assists.

“The manager has been on at me about getting into the right positions and the last two I have scored have come from being in the box.

“If you get into the box then that’s what happens, the ball is likely to fall for you more often.

“But hopefully I can just play my part in us winning games, whether that’s by scoring myself or setting them up for others.”

Dundee’s No.1 priority this season is to bounce back to the Premiership at the first time of asking.

McMullan, who is set to face Inverness Caley Thistle with the Dark Blues on Saturday, has won promotion previously with both Dundee clubs, and he knows this time of year can make or break a campaign.

He added: “December this year doesn’t look as hectic as it usually does, we have three league games and then have the Challenge Cup in there too.

“But December is always important when you’re going for a title and this year won’t be any different.

“You want to be right up there at the turn of the year, looking ahead to the run-in with confidence.

“You don’t want to give yourselves too much work to do either. In the first quarter we didn’t get as many points as possible but we have picked up in this quarter.

“It’s about building that momentum up further now and keeping it going through the winter into the spring.”

Dundee will be without keeper Ian Lawlor who was concussed last week while striker Zach Robinson is rated doubtful with a hamstring injury.

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