Dundee captain James McPake facing lengthy spell on sidelines
Tuesday 5 January 2016 11:39, UK
Dundee captain James McPake is expected to miss the remainder of the season after sustaining a serious knee injury in the Tayside derby on Saturday.
The Scottish Premiership side have confirmed McPake suffered a dislocated kneecap in a challenge with Dundee United midfielder John Rankin during his side's 2-1 win at Dens Park and will undergo surgery on Tuesday.
In a statement on its official website, Dundee said: "Following the surgery we will have a clearer picture of timescales for James' rehab.
"We would like to acknowledge the professionalism from both sets of players during the derby match on Saturday who immediately helped when it was clear James was in significant pain.
"James is a vital part of Dundee Football Club and we wish him a speedy recovery."
Dundee United defender Ryan McGowan attempted to comfort McPake, who was booked for the challenge while he lay on the ground, before the 31-year-old was stretchered off and taken to nearby Ninewells Hospital.
"It wasn't nice to see," McGowan said in the Daily Record. "You could tell by everyone's reaction how serious it was. I have played against James over the years and you build up a professional relationship with players.
"All footballers think 'that could be me', and you don't want to see a fellow professional injured regardless of it being a derby.
"I was one of the first ones there so I was just trying to calm him down. You are in something of a daze I guess when you see your knee like that, so he was kind of freaking out a bit.
"I didn't quite know what to say to him but I tried to get him as relaxed and comfortable as possible. I was just making sure he was OK."
