How Derek McInnes deals with Aberdeen striker Stevie May in the next few weeks will intriguing. The Pittodrie boss replaced the hitman with Niall McGinn at half-time of the recent Aberdeen-Queen of the South game.
McGinn had an immediate effect on the game, scoring in the 47th minute in a match which the Dons ran out 4-1 winners.
The decision McInnes made has turned out to be the correct one. The game was in the balance as it was goalless at half-time. McGinn turned the game around and that’s the bottom line.
It remains to be seen how May takes this substitution going forward. It could be the wake-up call he needs to get back on the goal trail on a regular basis.
May has had poor season for the Dons this year. He has scored only three goals in 29 appearances so far, which is not a good return for a striker. Due to a series of injuries, he has failed to hit the heights he reached at St Johnstone.
He could still be upset about being replaced at half-time though, which is understandable and McInnes would know that.
Whilst May has struggled, Sam Cosgrove has emerged as the top hitman at Pittodrie. The striker has 16 goals to his name this season, including a double against Queen of the South.
For the moment perhaps a place on the bench suits May, with Cosgrove and McGinn look the best bets going forward for the Dons.