Charity game will miss the Kompany
Steelmen want to seal Donnelly deal DONS AND GERS ON UP
CRAIG BRYSON admits Stevie May will be determined to end his near nine-month goal drought on his Pittodrie return.
And the fit-again Aberdeen midfielder insists it’s up to them to make sure there’s nothing for the striker to celebrate at his old stomping ground.
May’s last goal came in a 4-3 defeat for the Reds at home to Celtic on Boxing Day last year but the frustrated frontman has rejoined former club St Johnstone as he looks to kickstart his career.
Bryson – also hoping to get up to speed after an ankle injury hampered the start of his Dons career – said: “It’s up to the gaffer and the defence to see how we handle Stevie – and hopefully we can keep him quiet.
“I’m sure he’ll want to come back up to Aberdeen and show what he’s all about.
“You have a point to prove in every game – you always do.
“It’s up to us as a team to keep him out and hopefully win.”
Bryson has yet to complete 90 minutes since joining Aberdeen from Derby in the summer and lasted just over an hour of the 3-0 win against Ross County before the international break.
The 32-year-old said: “I had a long four months out because of the ankle injury I suffered at Derby.
“So I joined Aberdeen injured and missing pre-season is not ideal for anyone.
“I have been trying to do a few more sessions and getting 60 or MOTHERWELL have offered midfielder Liam Donnelly a new deal.
The Fir Park outfit have been in contract talks with the Northern Ireland international and are keen to extend his stay at the club.
Donnelly is in the final year of his deal after joining last summer from Hartlepool and has emerged as a vital player in Stephen Robinson’s side.
The 23-year-old has been a standout for the Steelmen BY GAVIN BERRY 70 minutes in games. Hopefully on Saturday I can get my first 90 minutes.
“It’s not ideal when you join a new club but everyone knew the situation when I signed.”
Bryson reckons the travelling for the early Europa League rounds took its toll on the squad but said: “We’re out of the Europa League so there are no excuses.
“When you’re travelling to Croatia and Georgia and then having to get ready for games at the weekend it can be tough.
“Obviously, we’ve had poor results at Kilmarnock and St Mirren and you can kind of use the European games as an excuse for that.
“But it’s down to us to kickstart our season now.”
Meanwhile, Aberdeen captain Joe Lewis wants to claim his first hat-trick of the season against the Saints.
The Dons keeper is aiming to make it three clean sheets on the bounce when St Johnstone travel north on Saturday.
Lewis said: “It was nice to get two back-to-back clean sheets. We should go into this game confident.” BY MICHAEL BAILLIE this season since being moved into a defensive midfield role and has already bagged eight goals.
Motherwell No.2 Keith Lasley insists it is important to secure their key players on new contracts.
The club hope Donnelly will soon put pen to paper and the Fir Park men are also in talks with keepers Mark Gillespie and Trevor Carson.
Lasley said: “We’ve offered Liam a new deal, it’s a reflection of the contribution he has made and we’d be delighted if that comes to a successful conclusion.
“It’s a reflection on how he’s started this season. We asked Liam to go away over the summer and come back with a real desire to establish himself and he came back really fit and focussed.
“At any club you want to tie up the guys who have a big influence out on the pitch.” ABERDEEN and Rangers have enjoyed a rise in UEFA’s coefficient rankings this season.
Both Premiership clubs have taken part in back-to-back Europa League campaigns with Steven Gerrard’s squad reaching the group stage two years in a row.
Aberdeen bowed out in the third qualifier this term but the Dons have still risen up UEFA’s rankings.
They have climbed to 152nd while Rangers jump to 191th. Celtic have fallen from 47th spot last year to 55th. the likes of Neil Lennon and Steven Gerrard now at Celtic and Rangers.
“I had some great times in Scotland. My times at Celtic and Hibs were among the best of my career and if there was interest then it’s something I’d consider.”
Ambrose also insisted his next move is not just about money.
He said: “I had a big-money offer from Turkey that would’ve seen me earn more than I did at Celtic but it just didn’t feel right.
“I want a club to make sure the move is right for my family and for me.”
The centre-half is back in Nigeria but has been keeping himself fit by turning out for his local side, Narayi Celtic FC Kaduna, who came about after his own spell at Parkhead.
Ambrose said: “When I get my next move sorted I will be ready to hit the ground running.” VINCENT KOMPANY missed his own testimonial last night due to a hamstring problem.
The former Manchester City captain had been due to feature in the star-studded charity match between City Legends and Premier League All Stars which finished 2-2.
But due to a muscular issue he said: “I can’t start or even play. It’s typical of me!”