McInnes left in awe of McKenna despite defeat

DEREK McINNES singled out Scott McKenna for praise last night despite Aberdeen’s loss to Rijeka. The 22-year-old has experienced a roller coaster few days since handing in a transfer request over the weekend but was still one of his side’s better players on a tough evening in the Balkans. Goals from Antonio Colak and Robert Muric gave Rijeka a 2-0 first-leg win, leaving the Dons a mountain to climb next week at Pittodrie. McKenna’s future was up in the air until the English transfer deadline passed at 5pm yesterday but he still took his place at the heart of the Aberdeen defence. And McInnes said: ‘Scott had his game head on, so it was probably a release for him to concentrate on the game. Tonight showed clearly why there is interest in him. He has been through the wringer the last wee while, he’s had a lot to contend with and people in his ear. ‘I think there has been no shortage of disappointment, probably, but he channelled it the right way. He is going one way, for me he is going to the top and he showed why tonight.’ On the bench for Aberdeen was defender Zak Vyner, who arrived on loan from Bristol City late on Wednesday night. ‘Zak gives us an extra defender in the building,’ said McInnes (right). ‘I always like a couple of centre halves who can play full-back, too. ‘He will add competition. He’s a good size, he uses the ball fine, he’s got pace and I’m sure he will prove his worth to us. ‘He had a bit of a journey to get here but he showed determination to make it. Zak deserves so much credit, he pushed and pushed to get on the plane — it’s a testament to him he was able to get here.’ McInnes admitted that his side gifted Rijeka their two-goal lead. He added: ‘It all just seemed to be a bit of a gift for them. It was unnecessary. It’s not ideal being 2-0 down but if the roles were reserved, we would think it was still alive. ‘We’ve had big performances at home this season and it will need that and more against a good opponent. In reference to the previous Rijeka team we played, this team are more athletic and physical. ‘A lot of things have to go our way next week but we are not out of the tie.’ Rijeka may take a commanding lead to Scotland, but their manager Igor Biscan has warned his players that they cannot let their standards slip. He said: ‘I have to congratulate the players, they played a good match. They were brave when they needed to be brave. It’s just half-time of the tie and I think it will be tougher when we go to Aberdeen. ‘I think they are a good team and if they didn’t play well that was because my team played well. We didn’t create too many chances tonight but we’ll create more over there.’