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PAUL McGOWAN admits new Dundee signing Sofien Moussa suffers from a language barrier but hopes the striker can keep doing his talking on the pitch with goals.
The Tunisian netted a brilliant hat-trick in the first-half of Wednesday night’s 3-0 victory over Cowdenbeath and has been hailed as a hero by supporters desperate for something to cheer going into Sunday’s eagerly-awaited derby against Dundee United.
A stunning overhead kick was the pick of the bunch and, with at least two other gilt-edged opportunities to score more, Neil McCann insists the marksman is still some way short of being at his best.
The 29-year-old – who now has five goals in three competitive appearances – is still settling into life in Scotland after previously playing in his homeland, Romania, Norway and Bulgaria.
But McGowan has already seen enough to be confident the former Tromso attacker could be a key player against United this weekend and in the season ahead.
He said: “I’m pleased for big Moussa grabbing the hat-trick.
“People probably questioned the signing because of where he’s come from. Not many would have known a lot about him. I include myself in that.
“But he’s fitted in really well.
“There’s a language barrier there that will hopefully get better. He understands a little bit.
LANGUAGE
“But if he keeps playing like he did against Cowdenbeath then he can speak any language he wants!
“At the end of the day, he’s scoring goals and that’s what he’s here to do.
“I’ll be delighted to have him in my team for as long as he’s scoring goals.”
Both Dundee and United go into Sunday’s clash at Dens Park with three straight wins under their belts.
It sets up a cracker as the teams meet for the first time since the ‘Doon derby’ of May last year when the Dark Blues relegated their local rivals.
And McGowan has warned his new team-mates they will not be prepared for what is about to hit them at kick-off.
PASSIONATE
McCann has brought in eight new signings since taking the job on a permanent basis this summer and McGowan knows from his own experience the fresh faces are in for a shock.
He added: “I don’t think they’ll know what it’s going to be like, because I was the same.
“I’m sure the new boys will get a rude awakening when the game comes around.
“The games are amazing, maybe not the best of spectacles, but end to end.
“I was surprised with it in my first derby. It was an eye-opener for me, how passionate the fans were.
“And then putting them down, for the Dundee fans, who have possibly suffered a lot more than the United fans, was a great day.
“I only lasted 15 minutes because I dislocated my shoulder, but it was a great occasion and it’s something the fans will have over the United supporters for a long time to come.”
