Dundee’s John Baird has revealed the special way he celebrated his first SPL goal for the club on Saturday was a tribute to his father-in-law’s memory.
The striker appeared moved as he raced away before lifting his hands and looking to the heavens after netting at Easter Road.
He admits the gesture was a release of emotion following the death of his wife’s dad, Jim Kennedy, who passed away in October aged 56.
Baird said: “It’s been a very hard time for the family. And that’s why I celebrated more than I would normally have done against Hibs last weekend.
“I just had to let it all out. That goal was for Jim, so it was special. He died in October, just six weeks after being diagnosed with cancer, which came as a massive shock.”
Baird is now determined his goal against Hibs will be the first of many as he looks to help the club secure their SPL place, starting against Kilmarnock on Sunday at Dens.
He said: “I would love to get a few more goals now that I’m off the mark. Every striker thrives on confidence and I’m no different.
“I’m determined to keep Dundee up, and hopefully I can play my part along with the rest of the lads.
“Even if I’m not scoring, I’ll still work my socks off for the team, but I do want to grab a few more.
“We have a big game coming up against Kilmarnock on Sunday, which we want to get three points from.
“We’ll go into that with confidence after how we played against Hibs and look to go one better by getting a victory.”
Meanwhile, the Dark Blues’ chances of signing former Dundee United and St Johnstone striker Jason Scotland look to be receding.
The Trinidad and Tobago internationalist was released from his Ipswich contract by mutual consent at the start of this week and he was immediately linked with a shock move to Dundee.
However, his availability has alerted clubs down south, with Barnsley boss David Flitcroft confirming he has held talks with Scotland, and the 33-year-old is also believed to be attracting interest from Wolves and Doncaster.
That would appear to rule out any move back north for the prolific hitman however, he admitted after leaving Portman Road that he was willing to explore every avenue.
He said: “I’m just waiting to see what offers come in. I’m not putting any limits on what division or area I want to go I just want to go somewhere I can enjoy my football.
“Everyone knows that I like to play with a smile on my face and I want to enjoy the twilight of my career now and make the most of however many games I’ve got left.”
nrobertson@thecourier.co.uk