Dons boss well aware of Killie star’s talents

Aberdeen manager Derek Mcinnes knows all about the attributes of Greg Stewart, who will return to Pittodrie with Kilmarnock on Saturday.

The 28-year-old former Dundee attacker signed a season-long loan deal with Steve Clarke’s Killie side from Birmingham City.

Stewart spent last season on loan with the Granite City men where he impressed the Dons boss, making 34 appearances in all.

He said: “We have kept in touch with Greg and it is a great addition for Kilmarnock. Greg is a very talented player.

“I think he showed in the latter part of the season for us, his true potential.

“It has been tough for him, kicking his heels at Birmingham and not really getting an opportunity.

“We enjoyed working with him but we also feel now we have to give that room for Scott (Wright) and Frank (Ross) to really establish themselves and get more game time otherwise Greg might have been someone we would have been keen to work with again. He was a great boy to work with and we wish him well although we don’t want to play as well as he can on Saturday.”

Mcinnes is looking for a win before the international break but knows it will be tough against Killie, who finished fifth last season.

He said: “If we can get into that first break with another three points, eight points from 12 after playing Rangers and Hibernian away, would be decent return, into the quarter-final of the Betfred Cup, it would be a good solid start.

“We have had injuries to contend with and the uncertainty of the transfer window as well, so if September can close with another three points I would be fairly pleased with that and plenty to look forward to.”