James McPake handed new contract by Dundee as he nears comeback from injury
Dundee have handed long-term injury victim James McPake a contract extension following his return to the training ground.
Dundee have handed long-term injury victim James McPake a contract extension following his return to the training ground.
The former Livingston, Coventry and Hibernian defender has signed a deal until the summer of 2019.
The club captain has been out of action since fracturing his kneecap against Dundee United in January, but took part in a light session with physio Gerry Docherty on Tuesday.
The centre-back told Dundee's official website: “Delighted to get it done. First and foremost, everything the club has done for me since the injury has been different class.
“From people who run the club, to the manager to the physio. Everybody around the club day in, day out have been so supportive.
“There is nothing which has been too big of a deal, what we needed to do, who we needed to see or what equipment we needed. The club have been great and I am very thankful for that.
“It's great to be here for another couple of years and I'm really excited to get back onto the pitch, hopefully soon, and do my bit and repay the faith the club have showed me.”
Dundee managing director John Nelms paid tribute to McPake's dedication.
“Jaz is vastly experienced and has a character that you wished all players would mimic,” Nelms said. “He is a major contributor to the club both on the pitch and behind the scenes and we are happy to have him as long as we can.”
McPake is now looking to build on his move from the gym to the training field.
“It was good to be back involved with the boys, albeit I was a bit away from them doing my own thing,” the 32-year-old said.
“Nine-and-a-half months to get the boots on and get back on the grass, it's a huge step and to get back out there was really good and I really enjoyed it.”