Byrne hopes he’s

and the way I applied myself, I never chucked the toys out of the pram or anything.

“I came in against St Johnstone and felt I’d done pretty well so it was hard to be back out of the team afterwards.

“Then Maxy and Gowser both score at Ayr on the Tuesday so it was a genius decision from the gaffer!

“It’s been frustrating because I feel I’ve been playing really well this year.

“But I’m here to help the team.” Dundee boss James McPake certainly isn’t short of quality central midfield options – club captain and talisman Charlie Adam has also been on the bench next to Byrne of late.

McGowan and Anderson have been the choice lately and both have been picking up key goals and laying on assists for team-mates in vital victories. Add to that the return of Jordan McGhee, the defender who has been a revelation when moved into the middle of the park this season.

With only two starting berths to fight for in the system that has seen the Dark Blues pick up 11 points in their last five matches, competition is fierce.

“Jordan has been out for a while so it is testament to him for coming in and playing so well,” Byrne added.

“The competition in the middle of the park is really tough, to be honest.

“We have a lot of really good players there – Charlie Adam, Gowser, Max, Jordan and young Fin Robertson when he comes back.

“It is strong competition so you do need to be on it.

“I think that’s what has pushed everybody on. You can see the standard in training has pushed up a notch with boys coming back.

“I maybe did dip after the Hearts game so maybe that’s why I came out but hopefully now I can pick up the form and stay in the team.

“I think everybody will have a part to play before now and the end of the season.

“It has been frustrating, I won’t lie. But I’ve kept my head down and worked really hard.

“Hopefully, I can have a good end to the season.”

Meanwhile, defender Jordon Forster has left Dundee after almost two years at Dens Park, the club have announced.

The former Hibs man played 32 times for the Dark Blues after signing in the summer of 2019.

Shaun Byrne faces competition. Midfielder Shaun Byrne has been frustrated by sitting on the sidelines.