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Dundee’s Paul McGowan stresses importance of getting much-needed win

Paul McGowan.
Paul McGowan.

Dundee midfielder Paul McGowan admits a win is needed to ensure confidence stays high among the Dark Blues.

The Dens men travel to Fir Park today to face Motherwell, the team against which they recorded their last victory on October 3.

Five draws and two defeats between then and now have seen Paul Hartley’s side move just a little bit too close to the group of teams below them in the table.

McGowan believes all that is needed to get them up and running again is one success and he hopes it comes in Lanarkshire this afternoon.

“The performances haven’t been bad but we have not been winning and that’s the frustrating thing.

“We hadn’t been losing until last Saturday against Aberdeen, which was an off day.

“They played to their strengths while we just couldn’t get going.

“All credit has to go to Aberdeen, though, because they were the better side on the day.

“It was disappointing for us.

“It was a sore one but I still think we are not far away from where we want to be.

“We are one win away from really pushing on.

“I think we are nearly on the same points total that we were on this time last year.

“Going to Hearts and getting a draw isn’t the worst result and neither is doing the same at St Johnstone.

“We as a team know how good we can be and we have showed it this season.

“We have, however, been inconsistent and that has been a major factor in our season.

“So hopefully one win can help turn around our fortunes.

“We need it for the club and we need it for the boys’ confidence.

“The longer it goes on the more the confidence starts to wear thin.

“The fans then start turning and it’s a knock-on effect.

“We have to go out there and prove that we are a good side that belongs in the top six.”

McGowan understands why some supporters are getting irked by the lack of victories, saying: “The fans are entitled to their opinion because they pay good money to watch us every week.

“They have been great with us but the more it (the winless run) goes on the more you can hear them getting agitated with us.

“They want a win just as much as we do and it’s up to us to given them it.”

Dundee have an excellent recent record against Well but McGowan stressed that the Dark Blues are expecting a difficult test.

“We have always done well against Motherwell, especially last season,” he added.

“We beat them twice down there and once here as well.

“They are picking up, though.

“Even though they are down there in the table that doesn’t reflect on them because they have a good, experienced side.

“They will be right up for it and it will be tough game that we can’t take lightly.”

Dark Blues manager Hartley was delighted to declare skipper Kevin Thomson fit and available for Fir Park.

The midfielder has only featured once for the club since that win over the Steelmen – the 1-1 draw with Hearts – and has been sorely missed.

Hartley said: “Everybody is fine, including Kevin Thomson who has trained all week.

“He is feeling good and ready to go.

“It is always important when your captain is available and fit.

“We haven’t had that enough this season so hopefully he can get a run of games now.

“We want him to build momentum.

“He has leadership qualities and we know that when Thommo is fit he is a really good player for us.

“We need our experienced and best players available from now until the end of the season.”