Dundee manager James McPake has hailed the addition of Nial McGinn to his squad after signing the veteran Northern Irish international from Aberdeen, insisting he can still offer a lot to the Dark Blues.
McGinn moves to Dens Park after 358 appearances and 87 goals for Aberdeen across two spells in the Granite City and he is a player McPake knows well.
Despite his limited game time under Stephen Glass at Pittodrie, McGinn is keen to continue adding to his 67 caps for Northern Ireland and McPake believes he’ll provide stiff competition for Luke McCowan and Paul McMullan.
He’s a player I played against and he is still in every Northern Ireland squad,” McPake said.
“He’s got 67 caps for his country and I know him very well.
“I still believe he has a lot to offer. He is desperate to continue to play.
“He had other options but is desperate to stay in the Premiership to stay in that international squad.
“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.
“He’s still super fit, a top professional and a real goal threat.”
After finally getting his man, McPake confessed he’d tried to sign McGinn over the summer before Aberdeen blocked the move.
“We tried to get him in the summer but Aberdeen decided it wasn’t happening so when this chance came up I jumped at it,” he added.
“He made an impact against us coming on up at Aberdeen (in December).
“He caused us real problems that day.
“Niall wants to play football. He’s been a great servant to Aberdeen and has been really successful.
“He’s hungry to come and play.
“We’re delighted to have him added to the squad.”
McGinn could make his debut for Dundee tonight when they face St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park.
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