Convicted Paul McGowan is a ‘role model’ on the pitch

Paul McGowan’s off-field behaviour has been far from exemplary.

But Dundee captain Kevin Thomson has revealed that on the pitch, he is the man ALL of his team-mates seek to emulate.

McGowan was last week slapped with a restriction of liberty order after pleading guilty to his THIRD police assault.

Under the terms of his punishment, the Dens Park midfielder is confined to his home between the hours of 7pm and 7am, and will miss the Dark Blues’ midweek clash with Celtic as a result.

Thomson admits losing such a key man for the visit of the champions is far from ideal.

But the Dee captain is confident they can cope, as long as they work as hard as their house-bound comrade.

“Gowser sets the example for all of us,” said Thomson. “Whether it’s in training or in games, all the boys know that if you’re working as hard as he is, you’re doing well.

“That’s something we’ve benefited from all season and we’ll benefit again. But we know on Wednesday we’re without him, so it’s up to the boys to keep following his example. Otherwise he’ll be a big miss.

“Even with his court case hanging over him, he’s been first class. He has never let it affect his game.

“I’m not one for getting wrapped up in what people are getting up to off the pitch. I never have been. It’s what happens on the pitch that counts, as far as I’m concerned.

“In that respect, Gowser has been first class for us, but he’s got his tag now and losing him on Wednesday is a consequence of that.

“We know that, and it’s up to us to make sure we don’t let things get slack in his absence.

“We’re playing against the best team in the league. That should be motivation enough.

“It’s what we’ve been striving for all season. It doesn’t get any tougher but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

The blow of losing McGowan was somewhat balanced out when Paul Hartley committed himself to a new deal at Dens Park, and Thomson revealed that news was welcomed in the dressing-room.

“It’s a just reward for what the gaffer has achieved,” said Thomson. “He’s a real players’ manager, always making sure the boys are comfortable with what they’re doing.”