McDaid thrilled after successful Ayr raid

DUNDEE’S Declan McDaid revealed he relished his goal celebration and the chance to silence the Somerset Park boo-boys after scoring the opener in Dundee’s 2-1 win over his former side on Friday.

While some players opt not to celebrate if they score against their old club, McDaid, who made the switch to Dens from Ayr in the summer, is not part of that camp.

With his every touch jeered, McDaid was delighted to see the ball hit the back of the net as the Dens Park men moved to within three points of Ayr.

McDaid (right) said: ‘I was buzzing to score but it was more important to get a win again.

‘I was getting a lot of stick in our home game against Ayr and again in this one I heard a few comments from the side.

‘It doesn’t get to me when I’m on the pitch but I heard something fresh just before I scored and I just thought I’ll enjoy it. So I had a wee celebration.

‘With some people, it might get in their head (fans booing) but not with me. They did it when we played them at home, so I knew I was going to get it even worse away.

‘It’s always going to happen when you come back somewhere. I was just glad to get the goal and the win.’

Dundee secured their first win on the road in the Championship and McDaid was delighted with the character they showed to bounce back from blowing a lead the previous week against Partick Thistle. He said: ‘We were still hurting from last week and determined that wouldn’t happen again. We showed the resilience to not let it happen and get the win.

‘If any team strings three or four wins on the bounce, they will see a massive difference with where they are in the league table, so hopefully we can get a wee run going now.’

Meanwhile, Ayr striker Craig Moore was delighted to make his first appearance since April after undergoing surgery.

Moore said: ‘I had a hole in my tibia. It was a freak one because it wasn’t even a football injury. I still don’t know how I got it.

‘It’s been a long road back and to be back on the pitch felt good.’