Dundee United frontman Nicky Clark talks of pride in girlfriend Gillian as she works on coronavirus frontline at Ninewells

Dundee United forward Nicky Clark has spoken of the pride he feels in his girlfriend as she works on an NHS coronavirus ward.

Clark’s partner Gillian is employed at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where she has been part of the heroic effort to treat those suffering from the pandemic.

Clark, who just celebrated winning the Championship title with the Tangerines, revealed how he has witnessed at close quarters the amazing job those on the frontline have been doing and continue to do.

He said: “My girlfriend, Gillian, is a physio at Ninewells Hospital.

“She is actually working on the Covid-19 ward.

“She is on it for three days at a time then has three or four days out of it, as they rotate the staff.

“I believe the rotation system is the best way to try and avoid any staff picking up the virus.

“In fairness, Gillian has been fine, which is a relief.

“I am so proud of her and the job she and the rest of the National Health Service are doing,” added the Tannadice player.

“It is really tough going for them but, as everybody says, what they are doing for the country is absolutely brilliant.”

Clark admitted he has concerns watching a loved one go the extra mile to help tackle the virus.

He said: “It is a worry when she is at work but she follows all the procedures and makes sure she does everything right.

“The hand sanitisers are all over the house and every night and she takes all the right steps when she comes back home.

“It is always at the back of your head but I am safe knowing Gillian and all the rest of the NHS staff do a fabulous job on the frontline in these trying times.”

Meanwhile, Clark reflected on United’s title win after a season that saw him suffer a broken ankle towards the latter part of the campaign.

He said: “It has been a long haul and although we all wanted to finish the season but it was quickly becoming clear that wasn’t going to be possible.

“As players, we would all have wanted to win it on the pitch in front of our fans but it wasn’t to be.

“It is just a relief to know Dundee United are finally going to be back in the Premiership.

“It has been a tough few years for the club but over the course of the season I think we have shown that we deserved to win the league.

“It is just a pity we couldn’t celebrate it with the fans and everybody at the club but I am sure we will all get the chance once we get through this trying time.

“The most important thing that everyone keeps safe and well and we all get through it.”