Tidser: Derby double was birthday gift for Aaron

Midfielder Michael Tidser says it was an outstanding feeling to score a derby double and dedicated his brace to son Aaron, who celebrated his third birthday by leading his dad out as a mascot for the 4-1 win over rivals St Mirren.

The proud father beamed:

“Aaron was mascot so he’s had a good day.  In my mind on the way down I was thinking it would be good to score.

“I don’t think he fully understands, as I say, he’s only three today. But he knows football and watches it with me, and my celebration was for him.

“When I did score the first I thought: ‘Right, it would be nice to win the game.’ To score twice in a 4-1 win … it’s a great result.

“It was a good day for me and for my family, and it’s one I’ll look back on for years to come with a smile on my face.”

Now 27, Tidser first joined the club aged 19 and has spent a combined six seasons on the books over the course of two separate spells. In that time he has developed a real affinity for the Ton and savoured scoring from the spot twice in a derby win.

“Obviously I know what it means to the fans, I’ve been here a long time. To score one never mind two is outstanding, and I’m delighted if I’m being honest.

“I’m always confident with penalties. I practice them in training with Jamie McGowan a couple of times a week – every penalty he saves I give him a fiver – so I’ll give him a wee bit of credit.

“There’s always pressure to score no matter who you’re playing against, and I did feel it more hitting it in front of their crowd, but it just silenced them, which makes it even sweeter.”

When asked if he took any satisfaction from reversing the scoreline from the home loss back in April, he said:

“Definitely. Listen, it was in my mind during the game, albeit I only played 15 minutes last time. That one was a sore one for the club to take so it was in my mind. But the three points are the most important thing.”

Image: Gary Bradley