The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Mcgrath yet to hit Dons peak – Leven
Midfielder Jamie Mcgrath is Aberdeen’s “unsung hero” who has yet to reach his peak, says interim boss Peter Leven.
Secured last summer from Dundee United, Republic of Ireland international Mcgrath has scored 10 goals in his debut season with the Dons.
Mcgrath turned down the opportunity to play in the United States and India to sign on at Pittodrie.
Leven trusts Mcgrath to excel in multiple positions and hailed the 27-year-old’s skill and attitude.
The interim boss insists Mcgrath delivers a seven or eight out of 10 performance in every game.
Leven said: “Jamie has been the unsung hero, as he has been brilliant.
“He plays in so many positions and is our second top goalscorer and that’s without penalties.
“Jamie’s control touch are great.
“He will play anywhere and never ask questions, he will just do a job for the team.
“Jamie has a great attitude and is a top boy as well. He is a really good player.”
Mcgrath signed a two-year-deal with the Dons last summer after opting to terminate his contract at Wigan Athletic.
The midfielder has been an integral part of the team under Leven and former bosses Barry Robson and Neil Warnock.
Mcgrath has made 38 starts this season with a further six appearances off the bench. And Leven reckons the best is yet to come from Mcgrath in an Aberdeen shirt.
That can only benefit new manager Jimmy Thelin, who starts at Aberdeen on a three-year deal on June 3.
Leven said: “Jamie is an international player but he has yet to hit his peak.
“He is on 10 goals and has played wide right and wide left.
“Jamie is not vocal in there (dressing room) but he leads by example by and his actions and he trains.
“He is very humble and has been great this year.
“He is never going to be one who will blow you away but Jamie is always seven or eight out of 10 every week.
“He could kick on even more next season.”
Mcgrath scored a sensational 30-yard free-kick in the 2-2 Uefa Conference League group the way clash draw with PAOK in Greece.
For an example of Mcgrath’s quality, attitude and versatility, Leven pinpoints the recent Scottish Cup semi-final.
Aberdeen ultimately lost 6-5 on penalties to Celtic having been tied 3-3 after 120 minutes.
Leven asked Mcgrath to play four different positions during that Hampden thriller. And the midfielder played in each distinction.
Mcgrath also stepped up to take, and score, Aberdeen’s first penalty in the Hampden shoot-out.
Leven said: “In the Scottish Cup semi-final he played wide right, wide left, number 10 and number six.
“But he does it so well. Jamie is just so comfortable on the ball and understands the game.
“Whatever I tell him to do, he does it to a tee. He is great to have in the team.”
Two previous Aberdeen managers tried to sign Mcgrath – Jim Goodwin in summer 2022 and Stephen Glass in 2021.
Those attempts fell through as Mcgrath joined Wigan in 2021 and then went on loan at Tannadice last season.
He finally moved to Pittodrie when Robson signed him up.
Leven said: “Jamie wants to do well here. He is 27 now and for me he is a vital part of this team. He is such a good player.” role with