Graeme Shinnie sealed his return to Aberdeen and admits he’s desperate to take a trophy to Pittodrie at the second time of asking.
The former captain completed his loan from Wigan for the season last night along with midfielder Patrik Myslovic who comes in on a similar deal from MSK Zilina, although there is also an option to purchase come the summer. Shinnie, who won the Scottish Cup with Inverness, admitted it was a major frustration that after three finals he never lifted a cup with the Dons and is looking to try and do it this time around.
The 31-year-old is likely to make his debut at home to St Johnstone and can then look forward to next weekend’s League Cup semi-final clash with Rangers. The midfielder said: “I’m looking forward to trying to fight my way into the team because I haven’t played since before the World Cup break.
“Just to get out on the pitch would be good for me. Another reason I came back is that I have missed these semi-finals and trips to Hampden. We had many of them but unfortunately we didn’t go the full way which was a bugbear of mine.
"I am looking to try and win the trophy. It is a tough challenge against the Old Firm at Hampden, which is always tough. It is one we can look forward to after Saturday.”
Shinnie was a big player for the Dons in his four years at Pittodrie under Derek McInnes, where they qualified for Europe every year. He returned to his hometown as he was keen to get back north for family and footballing reasons.
“I came back because I wanted to enjoy my football again,” Shinnie claimed. “I have been here before, I know I’ll be settled.
“It has been a frustrating 12 months football-wise and off the pitch. My family moved home to Inverness so it has just been me and my dog in Manchester. It has been tough. From a football point of view, I haven’t played as much as I wanted to and haven’t had a run of games.”
Meanwhile, Slovakian Under-21 midfielder Myslovic will also come into the Aberdeen equation, once a work permit is issued. Manager Jim Goodwin said: “Patrik is a very technical player, left footed, with an extensive range of passing. He’ll provide a different option in this area.”
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