Dundee boss Paul Hartley admits he has noticed a big change in Paul McGowan as the player tries to make the most of what the manager insists was his last chance in football.
The midfielder was convicted of his third police assault back in April and was under serious threat of being sent to jail.
Instead, McGowan was placed under a restriction of liberty order which meant he had to wear an electronic tag and was confined to his home between 7pm and 7am for 16 weeks.
He also attends voluntary counselling each week which helps people with alcohol and gambling problems.
Throughout it all, McGowan who had his tag removed last month was helped by the constant presence of his “bodyguard” team-mate James McPake, even if Hartley joked the pair are like TV’s Jack and Victor from “Still Game” as they moan so much at each other.
The manager said: “Paul is now allowed out after seven and can play in the midweek games which is good.
“I think it has been a weight off his shoulders given what he was used to for a period of time.
“It is good for him and good for us, but after missing some of the pre-season games, he was playing a bit of catch-up.
“I have definitely noticed a change in him.
“I think he had to make the change. I think Paul understood it was his last chance in football.
“He is 27 now and he has to try to make the most of the next four or five years.
“Every day he came in here he was such a hard worker. It was just off-the-field issues that were his problem.
“He does realise what the club have done for him. If it had been another club or manager, maybe they wouldn’t have stuck by him because of his history.
“We have seen a massive change to be honest and I think having James McPake with him has been great for him.
“James has been his bodyguard and has been picking him up every day, taking him to training and just talking to him. That has been a big help.
“They stay pretty close to each other. They are like Jack and Victor to be honest with you, constantly moaning at each other.
“I think James has really looked after him, by taking him to his sessions and being there for him.
“We do appreciate that also because he did need the support of the players.
“He has been as good as gold but he needs to make sure he continues that for his own sake.”
Hartley added to his squad last week with Aston Villa midfielder Riccardo Calder and Cardiff City striker Rhys Healey coming in on loan.
Rory Loy and Julen Etxabeguren have also both returned to training and Hartley believes Dundee now possess their strongest squad in years.
He added: “The majority of the boys are back now. Rory and Julian trained today and came through it OK.
“We have options now and are really strong as a squad.
“Rory started well and then he got the injury after the United game.
“We have missed him. His work ethic off the ball is terrific and it is good to have him back.
“Hopefully he will be a big player for us in the coming months.
“This is the strongest squad Dundee have had over the last few seasons.
“Last season we were down to the bare bones but now we have a strong group.”