I’m Jack of stall trades
ABERDEEN YOUNG GUN’S RISE
ABERDEEN youngster Jack MacKenzie will finally get the chance to play under Stephen Glass – after waiting for over a year.
The new Dons boss will come out of quarantine and meet his players at Cormack Park today as he takes them for training for the first time.
Left-back Macknezie has broken into the first-team in recent weeks and will start work under his new boss and assistant Allan Russell.
MacKenzie was meant to go on loan to Atlanta United 2, under Glass, last March but the move collapsed because of the Covid pandemic.
The 20-year-old said: “I was meant to go out to his team, Atlanta United 2, last year but Covid put an end to that.
“I was meant to go out last March and that was initially to July then it was to be extended for the season.
“My loan was delayed because I was needed for first-team cover and then it was cancelled because of Covid.
“I never actually got to speak to Stephen then.
“I was a bit gutted about that but I’m excited I’m getting to work with him now. I heard
BY SCOTT BURNS good things when I was meant to go over and I’m hearing even better things now.”
The youngster has a lot to thank interim boss Paul Sheerin for. He handed MacKenzie his debut at Dundee United last month then threw him back in for the weekend victory at St Johnstone.
In between times, he was also rewarded with a new Pittodrie contract.
MacKenzie admitted: “It has been a great few weeks for me – I made my debut and got a new contract. Paul Sheerin has been great for me, along with Barry Robson, since they have taken over.
“I appreciate them having the faith in me because I have worked with them now for quite a few years, starting back with the
NEW ERA Glass and, right, Mackenzie battles Hibs’ Kyle Magennis while on loan at Forfar development squad. I have now signed the new contract as well which is for two years.
“It has been really good and positive and I’m delighted to be playing football for Aberdeen. “I just hope it will continue.
“I want to make sure I keep myself in the team with positive performances and hopefully positive results for the team, that is the most important. With a new manager coming in hopefully I can impress him and keep myself in the team.” It was another loan move to
Forfar’s Station
Park that put him on track to the first-team door at Aberdeen. MacKenzie claimed: “The manager there was Stuart Malcolm and he was great with me, along with the senior lads. “It was massive, playing senior football where you have to win. You are fighting against relegation and it was good for my development. Playing in that environment has stood me in good stead. “I haven’t been that close before. I was always on the cusp at Aberdeen and my loan spell at Forfar was needed because I wasn’t quite at the level to play first-team. I only played 14 games for Forfar but it was great for me.” His loan at Forfar was cut short by another Covid outbreak and it has worked in his favour although he will be cup-tied for Sunday’s Scottish Cup clash with Livingston. But Mackenzie revealed: “I only played the one game this season for Forfar! It was a 4-1 win over Linlithgow Rose after extra-time.
“We didn’t know the season was to be cut short because I would still be out there now if that hadn’t been the case.
“But it has actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise because now I am in the Aberdeen team.”
It has been a dream come true for the lifelong Dons fan who has been at the club since he was nine.
MacKenzie knows the future looks bright under Glass and he wants to be part of it.
He confirmed: “Yes, I have spoken to the manager. He was really positive and it is exciting to get started.
“The club wants to play young players but that is up to us to do well and take our opportunities when they come along.
“It gives you hope and you see the success they have had.
“Dean Campbell is in the team and playing well and there are younger players like Calvin Ramsay and Ethan Ross coming through as well.
“It is all positive and we are all excited about working with the new manager.”