Stephen O’Donnell has declared himself ready to help Dundee’s promotion push after finally battling back to fitness.
The former club captain made his long-awaited comeback for the first team on Saturday when he came off the bench late in the game against Dumbarton.
The midfielder tore his cruciate at the start of the year during a match at St Johnstone but now he is fit and raring to go again to help the Dark Blues consolidate their position at the top of the Championship.
He said: “It’s great to be back. It’s been a long road but that’s all behind me now and I’m just looking forward to some better times.
“Our aim is obviously to get back to the Premiership and I would love to help the lads achieve that.
“When you’ve been out for such a long time, it makes you realise how much you actually miss it.
“We’re in a good position two points ahead at the top of the table and we are really determined to stay there.
“It promises to be an exciting second half of the season and I want to do everything I can to try to get us to where we want to be come the end of the campaign.”
The fans reserved one of their loudest cheers on Saturday to acknowledge O’Donnell’s return to action and the 30-year-old admits he was moved by their ovation.
He added: “I was humbled by the fans’ reception, to be honest. I’ve always had a good rapport with them and it was nice to hear them get behind me.
“There have been some tough times along the way which is always the case when you’re coming back from injury.
“It was obviously a relief to come through unscathed and I want to repay everyone who has wished me well and stood by me during the past year.”
Meanwhile, Nacho Novo will not be returning to Dens.
The Spanish frontman was released by Morton last week and is on the lookout for a new club.
He has been linked with a move to Dundee where he spent a successful spell between 2002 and 2004.
However, Courier Sport understands the 34-year-old will definitely not be rejoining the Dark Blues.
Photo by David Young