Dundee’s Paul McGinn admits that last week’s disappointing defeat at Hamilton ensured the players’ Christmas night out in Newcastle afterwards was something of a damp squib.
Now, he and the rest of the Dark Blues squad are determined to bounce back strongly at Partick Thistle today to provide the club’s fans with some festive cheer.
Paul Hartley’s side got off to the worst possible start against Accies, and were two goals down within 14 minutes.
McGinn acknowledges that gave Dundee a mountain to climb and he is determined there will be no repeat against the Jags.
The 24-year-old said: “We are still annoyed about last week. We know Hamilton is a hard place to go to, never mind giving them a two-goal head start straight away.
“I think it was (Hamilton boss) Alex Neil who actually said the other week that the first goal is absolutely vital in this league because there is so little between the teams.
“But we didn’t just give them one, we gave them two. We were then massively up against it and their tails were up.
“It was really frustrating that we let that happen as we knew what they are like.
“Our night out was then all relatively quiet. I have been involved in ones in the past that have been nuts, to say the least.
“That’s not really my cup of tea but ours was quiet and the result probably had a lot to do with that.
“It put a bit of a dampener on it although it’s good to get together every now and again.
“But we are desperate to get back to it on Saturday against Partick.”
While last weekend was a disappointment overall, this season has been one to relish for McGinn.
The full-back left St Mirren in the summer of 2013 to go part-time with Dumbarton in a bid to secure regular first-team football.
Having done that, he put himself on the radar of several full-time clubs, with Dundee winning the race for his signature in the summer.
He admits he is revelling being at Dens and is simply delighted that he no longer has to combine working in a bank during the day with training at night.
He said: “Overall, I feel I have played well so far this season but I still believe there is another level for me.
“There are a few things I need to work on. There is definitely a jump up from being part-time, even just the training every day instead of working, it is a different type of fitness you get.
“I am definitely not missing working in a bank, though.
“I really didn’t like working there and I would rather have been picking tomatoes or something.“There were times when it was OK but it was tough when everyone else was finishing at half five while I was going home to get my stuff to go training at eight o’clock at night.
“That can get on top of you a bit so I am really pleased to be here now.”
Another player who has made the step up from part-time football this season has been Greg Stewart.
The former Cowdenbeath striker has been a revelation for the Dark Blues, netting nine times already this season and McGinn has nothing but praise for his team-mate.
He said: “Greg’s been brilliant for us.
“He is great to watch as well, twisting and turning with a great left foot.
“Greg should have been in full-time football long before he did.
“I imagine he will go on to have a great career.
“There is definitely talent out there. If you look at how well Hamilton have done, a lot of their players have been floating about the lower divisions so it shows there is talent there.”
Dundee will face a Partick side in buoyant mood following last week’s stunning 4-0 victory against Inverness in the Highlands.
However, McGinn insists there is a firm determination within the Dark Blues squad to bring them back to Earth with a bump.
He said: “There is no way I saw that one coming especially with the way Inverness have been playing especially at home.
“They even beat Celtic up there.
“I would have found it difficult to see Thistle pick up three points let alone win 4-0 up there.
“Their tails will definitely be up but as I said, we are all so close in this division and we will look to bring them back to Earth.”
Dundee will be without Paul McGowan and Peter MacDonald who are recovering from illness and injury respectively while Gary Harkins, who was sent off against Hamilton is suspended.