CALL LOVES A PHOTO FINISH

Jones conquers nerves over last-gasp penalty by chatting with snapper while Dens Park explodes over VAR check

- 

CALLUM JONES had plenty time to think the worst when put on the spot to deliver a launchpad for Dundee's season.

A five-minute VAR delay followed a controversial and dramatic stoppage-time penalty award.

Ross Hardie adjudged Danny Wilson to have brought down Charlie Reilly but Steven McLean advised a second look. The suspense of the ref's trip to the monitor - and all the sideshow histrionics — could've killed.

But Jones conquered nerves and shut out the shouts of Livi gamesmanship to grab a priceless first Premiership victory for Steven Pressley.

Ex-Hull midfielder Jones revealed: “I just took myself off to the side of the goal while all the commotion was going on. I had a little chat with the cameraman, had a drink and just tried not to think about it.

“I asked a photographer if he thought it was a penalty. And he showed me a photo of him catching his leg. So I was ready when the time came.

“When I put the ball down when it was given, I could hear behind me: ‘The ball isn't on the spot’ and all that, them trying everything.

“You've just got to believe in yourself and I’ve scored a few in my career so far. I knew if I just took my time, had a decent strike, then it's difficult for the keeper, isn't it?