The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
McInnes praises striking progress of former player
Derek McInnes has praised former Aberdeen forward Lawrence Shankland for getting his career back on track after failing to break through at Pittodrie.
The 23-year-old, who joined the Dons from Queen’s Park in 2013, was released last year without scoring in 17 appearances for the club.
However, he has been in sparkling form since moving to Ian McCall’s Ayr United last season.
Shankland scored 27 times in 32 games last term and has already scored 21 goals in 19 appearances this season.
The forward, a target for Dundee this season, has been linked with a January move to Swansea City. Sunderland are also monitoring the player’s progress.
Dons boss McInnes said: “He has been brilliant. Sometimes you need to make those steps back to go forward. I know Lawrence and his family really well. We still keep in touch.
“By his own admission he fell short here. He had a lot of growing up to do and had a lot of selfreflection but he has worked extremely hard.”
He added: “He has been at a couple of different clubs but Ayr United seems to be a really good fit for him.
“I spoke to him and his agent recently and he is going to have plenty of options come January, I have no doubt about that.
“He seems to have become a more complete player and is not just a finisher.”
McInnes, meanwhile, hopes Tommie Hoban will return to full fitness after the winter break following a shoulder injury.
He added: “The sling came off last week and he can push on with his work.
“Although the operation was delayed a week or so with the birth of his son, he is on track to be back in training by the end of December or start of January.”