Football has seen so many players take one step back to move two, three or four steps forward.
And I’m sure Craig Wighton will be one of them.
When you’re at a big club like Hearts with a long time left on your contract there are plenty of players who would sit tight and take the money.
That wasn’t Craig’s attitude and he’s settled in with us at Arbroath right away.
He’s such a talented player and it was great to see him enjoying his football on Saturday.
A lot has been expected of him since he was a boy.
Dundee fans were desperate to get a top player come through the ranks at a time when Dundee United had produced the likes of Jonny Russell, David Goodwillie, Ryan Gauld and John Souttar.
For a combination of reasons – mainly injuries – his career hasn’t hit the heights that were predicted but people should remember that there is plenty of time left. He’s only 22.
Some people seem to think that not nailing down one position might have held Craig back but I don’t see it that way.
It’s regular games he needs, not necessarily games in a regular position.
Versatility in a forward player is a good thing not a bad thing.
He played wide right for us in a front three and joined in really effectively.
We know that he can play off the left, as a number nine and as a number 10 as well.
Games and goals will get his confidence back up and increase his options in the summer if Hearts decide to let him leave permanently.
This could be a big turning point in his career.
For us, the main thing is he did brilliantly on Saturday, and long may that continue.
Hopefully he’ll help keep us in the division and get his profile back up while he’s doing it.
* It’s not a great surprise that James McPake has brought Conor Hazard back in on loan.
Even before Jack Hamilton’s mistake against Motherwell it would have been in his mind to have two number ones competing for a starting place.
Don’t rule out Jack getting back in the team if Conor replaces him on Saturday.
He’s already shown a great response to the Scottish Cup with the saves he made against Dunfermline. He was probably Dundee’s man of the match the other night.
The big difference between a goalie and an outfield player is that one mistake usually costs a goal when you’re a keeper.
Gowser lets the ball go under his boot and it’s a throw-in. Jack lets one through his fingers and it’s a disaster.
Jack’s strength of character at East End Park tells me he’ll be fine.
* Some Dundee fans aren’t happy that Danny Johnson has been allowed to leave.
The manager will see him day in, day out so he knows best.
You can have a good player who doesn’t become a good fit for your team. It might not be anybody’s fault.
This is a crucial window for James and his judgment has to be backed.
