The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Vincent to repay McCann’s show of faith
Former Inverness midfielder desperate to stay in Dark Blues’ plans after frustrating spell on the sidelines
After battling his way back into the Dundee team, James Vincent is hoping he has done enough to persuade boss Neil McCann to keep him there.
The 27-year-old Englishman picked up an injury in pre-season that ruled him out of the reckoning for the Betfred Cup games.
Even when he was fully fit, he could not win his place back. However, the experienced midfielder finally won the nod against the Dons and he is keeping his fingers crossed that he will now be lining up against Hibs at Dens tomorrow.
He said: “I found myself out of the team so I have just had to work hard on the training field and in the Under-20 games I have been playing in.
“I spoke to the gaffer about it but it is what it is. I missed a bit of pre-season and unfortunately I was out of the team.
“The lads did well in the Betfred Cup, the team was winning and performing well. So the gaffer thought it was the right thing to do to keep the same side.
“But the league is different to the Betfred Cup and he maybe felt he needed to shore things up a bit and bring more experience in.
“It was a different tempo and type of game against Aberdeen but I know what to expect from the league and I knew what I was getting into. The more games you play, the stronger you get. I am happy that the gaffer gave me my chance and hopefully I can keep my place in the team now.”
Vincent could not prevent Dundee from suffering their third straight defeat in the league against the Dons.
However, he insists that run of results will change and soon.
Vincent said: “It was a good team performance up in Aberdeen and there were lots of positives to take from the game. We created a lot of chances and I think on another day, if we take them then we could have got something.
“It was the same against Hamilton – we created a lot of opportunities. I think if we weren’t doing that then it would be something to worry about.
“The team is playing well. It just needs something to click and we will start getting the results we need. We have been unfortunate not to pick up anything yet and we would have liked to have more points on the board.
“It is what it is but everyone is happy and buying into what the gaffer is trying to do and I am sure results will come.”
Vincent had a chance of his own against the Dons in the first half when he was straightthroughongoalbuthewascaught in two minds and the opportunity was lost.
The player admitted he should have done better but was probably still a bit rusty.
He said: “To be honest, I had it in my mind that I wanted to shoot. I opened it up, had an extra touch but then got caught in two minds over whether to shoot or pass. It was poor from my point of view and I should have scored or at least made the keeper work.”
Vincent knows that Neil Lennon’s side possess plenty of attacking flair but the Dundee players have been working hard to nullify their threats and he is sure they can take something from the match. He said: “It should be a great game. “These are the sort of matches you want to play in – a big crowd and on TV.
“Hibs are an open side so hopefully I can get forward to maybe exploit those holes. On the flip side we know they have
a lot of quality as well. We know we will have to defend very well and work hard as a unit.
“Theyaregoodbutwehavebeenworking really hard on the defensive side of things. Hopefully if we stick to our game plan, then we will get something out of it.”
Lennon meanwhile has confirmed he is close to signing a new deal as he declared his devotion to his Easter Road project.
The former Celtic boss successfully guided the Leith outfit back to the top flight but still has grander ambitions.
Now he is set to put pen to paper on a new contract as he looks ahead to fulfilling his plans.
He said: “The talks are almost concluded so I’m hoping we can get things announced over the next 24 hours or 48 hours – hopefully. I’m delighted. I’m very, very happy here. I work with very good people and I’m really pleased with the players we have.”
Leith new boy Brandon Barker has shaken off a tight hamstring picked up after making his debut against Hamilton. Midfielder Marvin Bartley should return from a knock, while former Dens Park star Martin Boyle will be assessed as he steps up his return from ankle trouble.