Dons boss glad to have McGinn in again

Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes feels winger Niall McGinn is exceeding expectations after his return to Pittodrie.

The Northern Ireland international was among the scorers as the Dons beat Hamilton 3-0 to consolidate second spot in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

The 30-year-old has now scored twice since re-signing for the club on New Year’s Day after a brief spell in South Korea.

McInnes said “He looks more vibrant than the Niall McGinn we had towards the end of last season. He looked a tired player, but he’s come back with a renewed energy and focus.”

McInnes was also fulsome in his praise of Andrew Considine, who netted a double either side of McGinn’s goal.

“Andy is sometimes one people don’t really appreciate what he does for us,” McInnes said. “He’s actually a very good finisher, but I thought his general game was very good.

“For me, he is so invaluable and people who know the game will see the benefit of having him in the team.”

● Motherwell boss Stephen Robinson was delighted for Nadir Ciftci after the striker earned his side a point with his first goal for the club.

Ciftci produced the touch of class Well needed after falling behind to Partick Thistle when he turned and fired low into the corner from 16 yards to seal a 1-1 draw in the 79th minute.

The former Dundee United forward had not scored since May 2016 when he was on loan with Turkish side Eskisehirspor, having played for Celtic, Polish side Pogon Szczecin and Plymouth since then.

Robinson said: “I’m delighted for him.

“Nadir can sometimes frustrate us because he tries things all the time, but he is the difference at times. He has set two goals up and he has scored one now.”

Nadir Ciftci: scored his first goal for Motherwell.