Aberdeen’s tricky Celtic loanee chosen as SPFL Signing of the Week
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Aberdeen may have lost Jonny Hayes to Celtic earlier this summer, but the Dons have now added a vital piece in their squad revamp from – you guessed it – the Hoops.
The new man at Pittodrie, Gary Mackay-Steven, struggled for game time under Brendan Rodgers last term, but the versatile playmaker’s career stats show he could prove an invaluable addition for the Reds, having completed a season-long loan earlier this week.
A key part of Dundee United’s exciting, attacking crop from 2011-2015, the Thurso native flourished under first Peter Houston, and then Jackie McNamara, netting 27 times and chalking up 36 assists during his time with the Tangerines.
Possessing electric pace, tricky footwork, neat distribution and the ability to fire home a long-range corker with frequency, he looked all set to shine at Celtic Park. That hasn’t quite happened – for whatever reason – but his stats in the East End of Glasgow still aren’t too shabby.
New signing Gary Mackay-Steven says he can’t wait to pull on the red jersey and he could do so for the first time tonight!#StandFree pic.twitter.com/7ogO4UpZI4
— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) July 13, 2017
The 26-year-old chalked up four goals and six assists in the Ladbrokes Premiership in 2015-16, but the most valuable thing ahead of the Dons’ coming campaign could be the winger’s European experience.
GMS featured in eight continental fixtures for the Hoops, including an impressive display in last season’s 1-1 draw away at Manchester City.
Another positive factor for boss Derek McInnes in this deal is the reunited partnership of Mackay-Steven and fellow Celtic loanee Ryan Christie.
The pair both featured intermittently for Rodgers’ side over the previous two seasons, but having a ready-made partnership in attacking areas can only be to the Dons’ benefit.
Aberdeen’s season kicks off on Thursday night as they host FK Siroki Brijeg in the Europa League, with the hosts 4/9 for a first-leg victory at Pittodrie.
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