The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Dons comeback star Hoban relished ‘special’ Perth win
Aberdeen players savoured their long-awaited victory over St Johnstone following a difficult few weeks but none would have enjoyed it as much as Tommie Hoban.
While Aberdeen had three games postponed after a Covid19 outbreak followed their opening Scottish Premiership defeat by Rangers, Hoban had not played for 18 months before helping the Dons to a 1-0 victory over St Johnstone on Thursday.
The defender suffered cruciate ligament damage while playing on loan for Aberdeen from Watford in February 2019, the latest blow in a career that has been undermined by serious injury problems.
The 26-year-old feared his time in football was over during lockdown but he signed a short-term deal with the Dons after being invited to complete his rehabilitation in Aberdeen and helped snuff out St Johnstone on his comeback. “I have played a lot of games but it’s been 18 months so I had to remember how to do it,” the centre-back said.
“There’s always nerves before games. I was nervous but at the same time I was excited. Three months ago I literally had no idea if I was going to get back so I just tried to enjoy it and that’s what I am going to do for every game now. Because once you have that feeling that it’s possibly over, it definitely does make you appreciate the opportunity.
“There’s nothing better as a defender than getting a clean sheet and hearing that final whistle. That is the reason why we play the game and that’s the feeling we want to have every week.
“Not having it for a long time makes it feel even more special.”
Hoban got his chance with Scott McKenna unavailable following a period of selfisolation, although the Scotland defender is set to return against Livingston – who have been linked with a move for former Celtic and Hibs striker Anthony Stokes – tomorrow.
Elsewhere, third-bottom Motherwell play host to Hamilton Accies today while St Mirren travel to face Ross County, who are joint third with Dundee United.