Image copyright SNS Image caption Scott Wright's goal got Dundee back level at 2-2, but St Mirren ultimately clinched victory

Dundee caretaker boss James McPake says he would like the manager's job on a permanent basis.

McPake's first game in charge of the relegated club ended in a 3-2 Scottish Premiership home defeat by St Mirren.

The under-18s coach took the reins this week after the sacking of Jim McIntyre and claimed it would be "disrespectful" to put himself forward for the role.

"Of course I want it. I love this club," McPake said. "Am I ready? Who knows? When are you ever ready?"

The 34-year-old former club captain is Dundee's third manager of the season, with Neil McCann having been sacked eight games into the campaign.

Former defender McPake said Dundee had had a "disaster of a season".

"We've got to get it right," he said. "We've been used to losing games and if you do that in the Championship you won't come back up. So that needs to flip.

"We believe we belong in the Premiership. We can't go down there and feel sorry for ourselves as a club. The fans won't let us do that, they will back us."