Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes has paid a fulsome tribute to Graeme Shinnie after the soon to depart Dons skipper played his final home game for the club.
Shinnie made an unexpected return from injury to lead the Dons to a 2-1 win over Hearts on Friday night, and the Aberdeen manager was full of praise for the player.
“It was great to see Shinnie in a winning performance in his last home game for us” he said, as reported by the Press and Journal.
“An example to others”
(Photo by Scott Baxter/Getty Images)
“He, above anyone, needed to leave on a winning performance. He clearly wasn’t fully fit but is an example to others.”
Shinnie’s presence in the Dons team was vital. He helped his side take a three point lead over Kilmarnock in the battle to finish third in the Scottish Premiership.
(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
The midfielder has agreed a deal to join Derby County from next season, and he will be a big miss for the Dons.
Main driving force
(photo by Vagelis Georgariou/Action Plus via Getty Images)
it has been a successful few years for the Dons. Shinnie has been a big reason for that.
The Dons had four consecutive second place finishes in the league table. The form of Shinnie was one of the big reasons for that.
Now they will have to find a player who can replace Shinnie. When you look at McInnes’ glowing tribute to the player, that won’t be easy.