NEW BOY’S READY TO GO EXTRA NIALL..

McPake tips McGinn to make instant impact and prolong his cap career

JAMES McPAKE expects Niall McGinn to make an instant impact for Dundee, starting tonight against St Johnstone.

The Dens Park boss snapped up the Aberdeen winger on an 18-month deal late on Monday.

McGinn, who made 358 appearances and scored 87 goals in two spells with the Dons, goes straight into McPake’s squad for the crunch bottom-of-the-table clash at McDiarmid Park.

And McPake, who featured in Northern Ireland squads with McGinn during his playing days, is certain the 34-year-old will hit the ground running for the Dark Blues as they battle to beat the drop.

The Dundee gaffer said: “Yes, he’s fit and made an impact against us coming on up at Aberdeen last month. He caused us real problems that day.

“We tried to get him in the summer but Aberdeen decided it wasn’t happening so when this chance came up I really jumped at it.

“We need competition in the wide areas. Luke McCowan and Paul McMullan do a great job but we need people to push them on so they aren’t too comfortable.

“We need competition all over the pitch. Niall’s still super-fit, a top professional and a real goal threat.”

McPake has also detected a hunger within former Celtic winger McGinn to do well for Dundee and extend his long international career with Northern Ireland.

The 37-year-old said: “Niall’s someone I have played against and he is still in every Northern Ireland squad.

“He’s got 67 caps for his country and I still believe he has a lot to offer. He is desperate to continue to play.

“Niall had other options but he is desperate to stay in the Premiership to stay in that Northern Ireland squad.

“He wants to get out and play football. He’s been a great servant to Aberdeen and has been

really successful.

“Their fans love him but he’s hungry to come and play. We’re delighted to have added him to the Dundee squad.”

Meanwhile, defender Christie Elliott is determined to fly out of the traps at McDiarmid Park tonight – and hopefully make the St Johnstone supporters turn on their own faltering team once more.

The Perth side’s fans subjected the players to a barrage of abuse after Saturday’s shock Scottish Cup defeat by the League Two part-timers Kelty Hearts.

Now Elliott is aiming to pile the pressure on once more as Dundee look to open a five-point gap on St Johnstone with a win in Perth.

And Elliott said: “It is really important to start every game well but if we can get their fans to turn on them, it will make it a bit harder for them.

“They are going through a tough time so hopefully we can get an early goal and then our fans will get behind us.

“It would make all the difference. We are in a horrible position at the moment but if we can get the win then it will open up a gap.

“So hopefully we can get three points at St Johnstone and push on from there.”