It isn’t often Dens Park is named as the location as the best moment in someone’s life.

Only a handful of the most diehard of Dundee supporters would profess to this old lady of Scottish football being the stage of the highlight of their time on this earth. Those who have diced with death, cobwebs and pigeon poop in its rickety press box would testify to that.

However, Stephen Mallan is someone who has nothing but fond memories for the place that sparked his career and turned him into an internet sensation.

The St Mirren forward was just 18 when his wonder goal against Paul Hartley’s team in December 2014 caught the eye of the world and eventually landed him with the goal of the season award.

Now with a return trip on the cards after Saints navigated their way beyond Spartans on Tuesday night to set up a Scottish Cup fourth round date in Dundee, Mallan is eager to get back in the new year to the place where it all started for him.

“It’s a place I’m looking forward to going back to,” he said. “Last time I was there was a big moment for my career and for myself.

“The way it happened was the best moment of my life so I’m really looking forward to going back and just getting that win.

“It made me more noticeable I’d say, especially in the media and the publicity it got, a lot more eyes were on me I’m sure which is something you want as a young kid coming through.

“It put St Mirren on the map as well because of the way that I came through the youth system, it put a spotlight on the emphasis St Mirren put on the youth.

“That was good as it is something they should get more credit for because of the likes of John McGinn and Kenny McLean, so it was good for myself and the club.

“I think I had only played five or six games when I got the goal so it was a good moment.”

Mallan was just a kid at that point and his career has undoubtedly gone from strength to strength ever since what was just his fifth appearance for the club.

The same cannot be said for St Mirren themselves, who were relegated later that campaign and now sit at the foot of the Ladbrokes Championship.

A win on league duty has yet to be earned this term but progression in cup competitions has given Jack Ross’ team some light relief.

“I’m looking forward to playing against a Premiership club. It’s the sort of teams that you want to be playing against,” said Mallan. “It’s going to be a hard test.

“They are in the same position as us in their league, looking for points the same as us so it is going to be a tough game away at Dens Park.

“But the boys are looking forward to it and we are just hoping we can go up there and produce a really good performance.”

Still only 20, Mallan has become one of the more experienced figures in this St Mirren collective.

He added: “It puts a bit of weight on your shoulders being the oldest one there and being the most experienced in the midfield and it’s a hard task but I am relishing it because it makes me have to talk more which is maybe something I had to bring to my game.

“When you are in that position, you have to talk more and it’s helping me a lot having to talk.”