After watching him play 75 minutes against Kilmarnock, Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has seemingly placed plenty of faith in new signing Craig Bryson.
The midfielder has struggled with injury since leaving Derby County for Pittodrie. He made his league debut against his former employers in Ayrshire, lasting 75 minutes before being replaced.
Featured for 75 minutes at Rugby Park. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
He couldn’t inspire his side to victory, as the Dons fired blanks against Angelo Alessio’s side, with the game finishing 0-0.
McInnes seems to really trust his experienced midfielder though and can’t wait for him to get back up to full speed.
McInnes told Red TV: “We got Bryson more minutes and a step to where he needs to get to. It’s clear that we need that influence in the team.
McInnes wants influence in the middle. (Photo by Scott Baxter/Getty Images)
“I thought he was very good in the first half and we tired, and we lose that influence, we kind of lose our way a bit.”
McInnes clearly wants Bryson to be a leader for Aberdeen
It’s great that Bryson is getting back to full fitness. On his day he is a classy player, who’ll be of great benefit to the likes of young Lewis Ferguson looking to learn a thing or two about the game.
Having played exactly 300 games for both Cardiff City and Derby County south of the border (Transfermarkt), his high level experience will be of benefit to the Dons midfield.
Big game player. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
He also has a good knowledge of what to expect in the Scottish Premiership, having played 129 times for Killie.
Whilst Joe Lewis is the captain, he can’t replace the commanding presence former skipper Graeme Shinnie brought to the midfield. McInnes clearly backs Bryson to fill that gap.
The Dons boss clearly has a lot of faith in him. He played 75 against Killie, now Bryson’s next step will be to prove he can play a full 90.
Bryson needs to prove he can go all the way. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)
Bryson could be a big player for Aberdeen and McInnes seems to back the midfielder to bring ‘influence’ to the Red Army midfield.