In a classic case of something borrowed, something blue, Rae was able to come off the bench in the 2-0 defeat against Hearts after initially being rested from Ivano Bonetti's squad.

Prior to kick-off a problem arose leading to a couple of squad members having to drop out, leaving the Dens Park manager short of substitutes.

Bonetti turned to would-be spectator Rae for assistance - and he was only too glad to be given a place on the bench.

By luck, the Dundee kit- man had packed Rae's boots, and obviously supplying the Aberdonian with socks and shorts was no problem.

But the No14 shirt, with Rae's name on the back, had not been loaded with the rest of the kit.

The problem was solved, however, when masseur Jack Cashley had a brain-wave. He went outside the stadium to try to find a fan wearing a replica jersey bearing Rae's name and number.

Suzy McMaster's jersey had neither but she suggested to Jack that the Tynecastle club shop could oblige with the missing detail and the job was done.

Suzy, 15, said: 'I was really excited when Gavin came on wearing my shirt but I was worried he might throw it into the crowd at time-up like all the other players.'

Rae said: 'I am very grateful to Suzy for lending the shirt to us. But as soon as I put it on I noticed it was smelling of perfume - so I didn't want to stand too close to the Hearts players.

'Seriously, I'd like to thank Suzy - I think the club will be in touch to give her a wee thank-you gift.'

Meanwhile, the Dark Blues' summer recess will be cut short. They face Yugoslav side Sartid in the first round of the Intertoto Cup at Dens on June 16, with the return tie a week later.