Dundee’s Jim McAlister says if he is handed his first competitive start of the season against Partick today, it is an opportunity he will seize with both hands.
The midfielder was a key performer for the Dark Blues last season as they won the Championship title but has had to be content with a substitute role in the opening two league games after missing the League Cup tie against Peterhead because of illness.
He came on against Inverness on Wednesday night after just eight minutes when skipper Kevin Thomson had to hobble off with a calf injury that is likely to rule him out against the Jags.
McAlister’s performance during the draw in the Highlands attracted plaudits from his manager Paul Hartley and he seems the obvious choice to step in if the club captain does not make it.
The 28-year-old is champing at the bit to stake his claim for a starting jersey.
He said: “It was a good point against Inverness. We had watched bits of their game from the weekend and they can play both ways. They can go back to front as they have done in the past but John Hughes has got them playing.
“I thought at times they played some really good football but with our shape we snuffed them out in the final third. As a sub you maybe think you will go on with half an hour or 20 minutes to go.
“I didn’t even realise Thommo was struggling in the warm-up. It was strange going on so soon but it was good to get 80 odd minutes.
“Obviously, I was disappointed not to be involved from the start but the manager has his own thoughts on different things and the boys have started the season well.
“I had a chat with the gaffer after the Peterhead game. I hadn’t been feeling too well leading up to it so I was told to stay away on the Saturday and to feel right and get a good week’s training leading up to the Kilmarnock match.
“I got a bit of game time in that and obviously a bit more against Inverness so hopefully I can build on that.
“If I am given the opportunity against Partick then it is down to me to take it.
“There is a lot of competition for places and it is good for the club. It keeps everyone on their toes and that’s the way it should be.
“Nobody should be guaranteed that they are going to be playing week in, week out. It should all be about performances.
“Hopefully, we can all pull in the same direction and not be struggling like we were two years ago. We have started with two difficult games but we have points on the board which is important.”
Partick opened their own league campaign with a thumping 4-0 win at home on Wednesday night against Ross County.
McAlister believes the Jags’ tails will be up but Dundee are determined to secure their first league win of the season, especially as they possibly could have taken all three points against Inverness.
The Dark Blues had arguably the better chances and were denied what looked a stonewall penalty when Caley’s Greg Tansey handled the ball in his penalty area late in the match.
McAlister added: “It will be a tough, tough game. They are a year on as well in this league. Experience wise they have some good players and they got off to an incredible start in midweek as Ross County are no mugs.
“They will look to build on that at the weekend but we are determined to get that first victory. Obviously, we were disappointed on Saturday not to win against Kilmarnock as we had some great chances.
“I would say it was a better point at Inverness being away from home. I feel we had the better clear-cut chances and I am led to believe we should have had a stonewall penalty as well.
“Some of the lads have seen a picture of the lad’s hands on the ball but you don’t want to criticise referees. Some you get, some you don’t and hopefully they even out over the course of the season.
“Picking up points on the road this season will be vital. But hopefully, we will get off the mark on Saturday at home against Partick.”
Dundee have attracted plaudits for the attractive football they have played so far. However, McAlister’s boss Hartley has been equally pleased by the desire and commitment shown by his players in the Highlands and is looking for more of the same against Thistle.
He said: “There was a real steel about us in Inverness. I thought we were tough and hard to beat. We threw our bodies on the line and defended well when we had to.
“We’ll need that and I think I’ve got a great bunch of players here.
“We had a good support up in Inverness on Wednesday night. It’s not easy getting all the way up there. It’s a long road and a lot of money for the punters so we appreciate the support they give us. Hopefully they will back us again in big numbers against Thistle.”
Hartley has a full squad to choose from with the exception of Thomson.
Partick Thistle have an unchanged squad for their trip to Dens Park.
Alan Archibald looks likely to name the same team that thrashed Ross County 4-0.
Midfielder Sean Welsh is the only absentee as he battles a long-term groin problem.