Jimmy Thelin backed Hibernian-bound Jamie McGrath to keep delivering for Aberdeen after he stepped off the bench to help dent his future employers’ prospects of finishing third in the Scottish Premiership.
The 28-year-old Republic of Ireland international agreed a pre-contract with the Hibees in February at a time when he was sidelined with a shoulder problem – and it looked like he had kicked his last ball for the Dons, who declared at the time that he would “miss the rest of the season through injury”.
But McGrath returned as a substitute in the Scottish Cup semi-final against Hearts earlier this month and helped set up the Dons’ extra-time winner.
And then on Saturday, in a bold move by Thelin, the playmaker was sent on for his first Pittodrie appearance since his pre-contract was agreed as the Dons chased the winner they needed to move level with third-placed Hibs.
Read more:
-
Early frontrunner for Hearts job emerges as next manager odds are revealed
-
Rangers star left 'absolutely raging' following latest setback - here's why
The decision was booed by sections of the home support, but it ultimately paid off as they eked out a 1-0 win through a stunning volley from Kevin Nisbet in the 80th minute.
Asked if it was a difficult call to field McGrath in a situation where he was effectively being asked to hinder his own prospects of playing European group-stage football next season, Thelin said: “No. I said before the game and in the press, Jamie is fully committed here and you can see it if you know him as a person.
“And also how he acts in the training sessions, in the meetings, and the performance against Hearts and the performance against Hibs, there’s no doubt where his mind is right now.”
While Aberdeen know they will not have McGrath next season, it remains unclear whether they will be able to retain on-loan Millwall forward Nisbet, whose 13th goal of the season proved decisive against his former club.
“We’re happy he’s here, he looks happy but I can’t talk about other teams’ players,” said Thelin. “But right now he’s here and we’re so happy that he’s here.”
Hibernian boss David Gray is confident his side will be able to banish the disappointment of seeing their record-equalling 17-game unbeaten run in the league ended on Saturday.
Hibs, who are ahead of the fourth-placed Dons on goal difference, host fifth-placed Dundee United, who are just three points behind, in another huge match in the European race on Saturday.
“We’ve had to go on an amazing run to get to this point,” said Gray. “It wasn’t the result we wanted, but we’ve still given ourselves a fantastic opportunity with the position we’re in now – four games to go, still sitting third.
“It’s all about the reaction now to make sure we keep moving forward, which I’m sure we will, because the players have done that all season.
“We’ve got a home game to come against Dundee United so the games aren’t going to get any easier, they’re all massive games.
“We’ll make sure the players are ready as they always are, but these are the games that you want to be involved in at the end of the season, challenging at the top end to try and get European football.”
