Dundee boss Jim McIntyre has praised Paul McGowan for the extra work he has been doing in the gym in a bid to shift the pounds and return to full fitness after a long lay-off with a groin problem.
The 31-year-old made his first start for the Dark Blues against Hibs at Easter Road on Saturday since his side’s previous game with Neil Lennon’s team back on September 22.
Midfielder McGowan was played in a more advanced position in Leith and scored a cracking equaliser that secured McIntyre’s men a share of the points.
And his manager believes it was a fitting reward for the graft he has been putting in off the field.
The manager said: “Paul was excellent. He deserves a lot of credit as he has been working so hard in the gym.
“He has been doing a lot of extra work to try to lose a bit of weight because he knows he needs to.
“He’s not the only one on that. Where Gowser is exceptional is he is two or three seconds quicker upstairs than most players so a fit Paul McGowan can help Dundee.
“He is a great lad and has such a desire and will to win. That channelled in the right direction can be a big plus for us.
“We feel he has real talent and can spot a pass. If we can get him further up the park into those more hurtful areas, then we can really utilise that.
“We will use him where we see fit because he is a good footballer and can play a variety of positions.
“But in the main, I want to see him in the last third of the pitch where he can hurt teams.
“He is a winner. Everybody knows he moans and demands in training every day.
“I don’t mind that one bit. I want someone who cares about their job and he certainly does that.”
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Meanwhile, Dundee have announced a special cut-price ticket deal for the upcoming home matches against Hamilton on Wednesday, December 5 (7.45pm kick-off) and Rangers on Sunday, December 9 (1.30pm kick-off).
Supporters wishing to attend both games can do so for £42 with the package on sale now at the ticket office inside Dundee Direct and also online.
Full prices are as follows. Adult – £42. Concessions (Over-65 or students with valid student photo ID) – £30. Under 18s – £20.
