McGowan delighted to get off the mark

Feb 26 2009 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

HAMILTON hero Paul McGowan was delighted to get off the mark for his new club with the winner at Falkirk and hopes it earns him a start against Rangers on Saturday.

Showing great composure and skill McGowan instinctively latched onto a stunning cross from James McCarthy to prod the ball under Bairns keeper Dani Mallo for a 76th-minute clincher.

And the 21-year-old forward, on loan from Celtic until the end of this season, believes the strike will do his confidence a world of good.

He said: “It’s always important to get your first goal because it’s always on your mind that you need to score.

“I was in a different position to where I usually play so scoring will do me the world of good. Hopefully, there are many more to come.

“It was a great time to get my first goal but I was just desperate to get the win.

“Scoring was another bonus for me, for my confidence, but nobody can take anything away from the boys, who worked hard and deserved the win in what was a bit of a ‘six-pointer’.”

Although McGowan feels he has done well, he still had a point to prove on Saturday.

He explained: “I was on the bench last week at Motherwell and the pitch didn’t suit my style of play but you want to play every game.

“I was starting on Saturday and I wanted to prove myself. Although I don’t think I’ve done anything wrong, I think being left out made me hungrier to go and prove that I should be playing from the start.”

McGowan has now set his sights on Rangers, a fixture he got a taste of in a recent bounce game at Murray Park.

When asked about Saturday’s lunchtime match the youngster’s eyes positively lit up, and he said: “I can’t wait for that. We played Rangers in a bounce game and it was another experience but they’re a top side and they’re going for the title – as are Celtic – so it’s going to be a tough game.

“But I think if we keep playing the way we’re playing we can give them a game.

“We can’t give any of their players time or they’ll punish us but we’ll be looking forward to the game.”