Home’s still where the start is for Hernandez
DEREK McINNES admits he wouldn’t blame Ronny Hernandez for doing a runner when he returns to Venezuela on international duty.
The Dons defender could go head to head with Rangers star Alfredo Morelos as Venezuela face Colombia in Saturday’s World Cup qualifier.
That will give Hernandez a chance to see his family for the first time in nine months thanks to the pandemic and the full-back’s misery has been compounded by the fact he has been stuck stewing on the bench for the Dons.
McInnes said: “Ronny hasn’t seen his wife and family for nine months.
“He’ll be wanting to jump ship as soon as he gets there.
“The boys have been winding him up but he is glad to be closer to his family and get the chance to play for his country.
“Hopefully Ronny can get a wee boost by getting involved but whether he gets to see his family I don’t know.”
The defender arrived from Stabaek last season but has only managed a handful of appearances for Aberdeen.
McInnes admitted he will look at a possible loan to get games in January.
He said: “The plan for Ronny, like everybody else not playing week in, week out, is to work hard to get in the team.
“Once we get closer to the January window we could make decisions on boys who are not playing regularly but between now and January we expect them to play their part.
“It will be for myself and the players to decide on what is best for each of us.”
McInnes will look to use the international break to get striker Ryan Edmondson up to full speed.
The on-loan Leeds frontman suffered a bad ankle injury in his second week at the club but has made a few appearances from the bench recently.
McInnes said: “Ryan is eager, leaves nothing on the training pitch and knocks his pan in as he is desperate to be relevant for us.
“His size and finishing ability will definitely help us in the months ahead.”