Dundee’s current crop of talented youngsters have some “big futures” ahead of them.
That’s the view of a player who sees their ability day in, day out on the training field and out on the pitch in dark blue.
Paul McGowan is now one of the elder statesman in the Dens Park squad with only Adam Legzdins and Niall McGinn older.
Cillian Sheridan is the only other player in the squad over the age of 30.
Concentrating on youth is certainly the plan for Dundee going forward with a number of academy graduates already featuring under boss Gary Bowyer.
‘Big part to play’
Experience, though, is key at times in the Championship and McGowan is more than happy to bring that to the table.
“I think there’s only a few of us who are over 30,” says the midfielder, who has scored once and laid on four goals already this season.
“That’s a good thing but you do need a mix.
“This league is not pretty at times but we have a good group of boys.
“The young lads have come in and looked very good. Some big futures.
“You’ve got Josh Mulligan, Max Anderson, wee Fin Robertson and wee Lyall Cameron has done well.
“It is a big chance for them.
“Obviously we need a couple more bodies in but the gaffer is giving these players a chance.
“They will have a big part to play this season, a massive part.
“The way the gaffer wants to play will suit some of them because it’s all about energy and getting after teams.
“I think there is a good mix.”
‘I’ve been slagging myself!’
With age and experience come down sides, however.
Much of the focus this summer has not been on McGowan’s feet but rather his head.
That’s after heading to Turkey to sort out a hair transplant and causing a stir on social media.
He's Gary Bowyers man, he's balder than Zidane 🧑🏻🦲 pic.twitter.com/iXDjeRal9j
— Dens Park Choir 🇨🇷 (@DensParkChoir) July 3, 2022
The attention, though, has all been good natured and McGowan is more than happy to laugh about it all.
“It still has to grow, it looks like a shambles right now!” the midfielder admitted with a laugh.
“It takes about six months to come in. If it doesn’t, then I’ll just shave it.
“I’m not sure I’ve been the best example because you’re not supposed to do anything for about a month after it and I was back training 16 days later.
“Only time will tell, we need to wait and see.
“It’s been funny, to be honest.
“All the banter, I’ve just laughed about it, to be honest.
“I’ve been slagging myself! So I don’t mind other people doing it to me.
“If it works, it works.
“If it doesn’t, I’ll just shave it and be done with it.”
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