GMS has to learn from river rescue: McInnes

Dons boss offers MackaySteven full support – but warns him of his responsibilities

Former Dundee United star Gary Mackay-Steven has been left ‘embarrassed’ after being rescued from a river by emergency services following a night-out.

The player was treated for hypothermia at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital after being pulled from the River Kelvin in Glasgow during the early hours of Sunday August 27.

The playmaker, who joined on a twoyear deal from Celtic in July, had been an unused substitute for new club Aberdeen in the Premiership leaders’ victory over Partick Thistle a day earlier.

And now Dons boss Derek McInnes has offered his full support to his midfielder – but admits there is no place for the 27-year-old to be as drunk as he was.

McInnes insists the frightening incident serves as a reminder to players of their responsibilities.

He said: “I spoke to Gary and as we would all expect it’s totally out of character for him. It’s a reminder of the spotlight that the players are under – a reminder of restraint and discipline required.

“There’s no problem with players relaxing and switching off and there is no better time to switch off when there is two weeks before a game. But there is no place for a footballer to be as drunk as he was and then the consequences of what happened.

“I mean, it’s bizarre circumstances but we’re here to support Gary – but it’s also a reminder to him and everybody else of the responsibilities of making sure there is that restraint and discipline at all times.

“By all means have a drink but always make sure you are always in control of the situation. We’ve addressed it and I don’t expect it to be an issue with him or any of my players.”

Speaking to REDTV, McInnes, who is expected to have Mackay-Steven – who spent three-and-a-half years at Tannadice before moving to Celtic in January 2015 – available for Saturday’s clash with Hearts at Murrayfield, said: “It could have been far more problematic for him but thankfully he is back with us.

“He is embarrassed, as you would expect, he feels he’s let people down but we’re here to support him.

“He’s a good lad and he has so much to offer. It’s all about learning, nobody is perfect and we all make mistakes.

“He is a young footballer with his best years ahead of him and I’m sure we’ll see that over the course of the few seasons we’ve got him.”

McInnes, meanwhile, insists his players will not be distracted by the ‘sideshow’ of playing at the 67,000 capacity Murrayfield stadium this weekend as they attempt to maintain their 100% record.

Hearts will play matches against the Dons, St Johnstone and Rangers at the home of Scottish rugby while their new main stand is being built.

Aberdeen are set to bring a crowd in excess of 6,000 to the match.

McInnes added: “We anticipate it still being a decent atmosphere even though it’s a huge stadium.

“I’m sure the Hearts and Aberdeen fans will get right behind it.

“It’s brilliant to have so many numbers there for us – it’s a bit of a novelty game in terms of being outwith Tynecastle but the supporters will turn up in good numbers and they’ll expect to see a team perform and win.”

I spoke to Gary and as we would all expect it’s totally out of character for him. DEREK MCINNES

Picture: SNS. Gary Mackay-Steven moved to Aberdeen during the summer after two-and-a-half seasons with Celtic.