I’ve been Roon the block a few times

Adam: Fight for first-team spot is nothing new and I’m right up for the battle

HE’S the hero who still has to fight hard for his place in the Aberdeen team.

Adam Rooney’s goals record ranks alongside some of the club’s greats with 81 in 166 appearances and the top-scorer accolade every season since he signed up at Pittodrie almost four years ago.

The Irishman accepts he can’t take for granted he’ll feature in Derek McInnes’s line-up every week but he aims to show his boss he still has the knack of finding the net. He’s hit four in 11 league appearances this season and one in the Europa League.

But with £300,000 signing Stevie May the No.1 choice, he recognises he has a battle on his hands.

Rooney said: “I went through this last season with Jayden Stockley, so it’s nothing new to me and I know when I get a chance I have to do well.

“No one is going to be happy sitting on the bench – we want to be playing games and that’s part of what comes with being at a big squad which is successful.

“It’s up to everyone to give their all and try to keep their place in the team.

“We’ve got good strikers at the club and there is competition but I have confidence in myself and want to be the top scorer again.

“The plan is to get as many as I can this season again, whether I’m starting or coming off the bench.

“And 100 goals is my next target. I’m on 81 and the quicker I can get to that tally the better it will be for me and the club.”

Rooney admires how today’s opponents Motherwell have started the season – and he is a big fan of strikers Ryan Bowman and Louis Moult in particular.

He said: “Their front two are scoring goals for fun and they look a bit more solid as a team. But if we play as we can, especially at home, we can beat anyone.”