Surprise for Murray, delight for Mccann

As a former Dundee United player, Simon Murray was used to his friends hurling abuse at him whenever he played at Dens.

Now, though, the lifelong Dundee fan is determined to give his boo-boy pals something to cheer about.

The 25-year-old joined the Dark Blues on loan from Hibs on transfer deadline day, with Scott Allan heading in the opposite direction.

The striker already has a few goal celebrations up his sleeve for this afternoon’s game with Ross County.

Murray said: “I’m just looking forward to playing against County.

“I was obviously brought up a Dundee fan.

“My mates are all Dundee fans and the phone has been red-hot.

“They’re all happy for me, and my family have got season tickets.

“They’re all excited for me going into my debut.

“To be honest, I had more pals who are Dundee fans than Dundee United.

“I’ve had a few texts, though, saying different things . . . I suppose they’ll just have to get over it.

“My mates here are normally hurling abuse at me but I’ve got a few goal celebrations up my sleeve!

“It will be different on Saturday, though.

“I’m looking forward to it but obviously I’ll need to get the goal first.”

Murray admitted he was surprised the move went through, especially as he had thought he would be involved on Wednesday night for Hibs against Motherwell before putting his feet up to watch Sky Sports’ deadline night coverage.

Instead, he suddenly found himself right at the centre of one of the moves.

Murray said: “I was there at Easter Road on Wednesday night with my tracksuit on thinking I would be in the squad.

“I was actually hoping I’d be starting the game.

“But the gaffer just pulled me up beforehand to tell me about the chance to come here.

“I think it was all done and dusted by about 10pm.

“It was a bit of a late one and I was looking forward to watching transfer deadline day on Sky Sports, but didn’t think I would be involved in it.

“It’s just good to get it done.

I’ve spoken to the manager (Neil Mccann) about what his plans are and what he wants to do for the rest of the season.

“He just wants me to play the way I like to play. That’s a massive thing as well, and he believes in me.

“I’m here to go and grab goals and do my best for Dundee.”

Mccann said he was delighted to snap up Murray, who has already scored 14 goals this season.

The Dens boss said: “I am absolutely over the moon to get Simon.

“We wanted to add some more firepower and I think we play good football and create an enormous amount of chances.

“We have added someone who I think is just so hungry to score goals for Dundee.

“I am expecting a big impact from him.

“Simon Murray will run through a brick wall for this club.

“He is a Dundee fan and he is absolutely raring to go tomorrow.

“For me, that’s good business getting someone like Simon in the door.”