Land of Hoban glory
Impressive stopper Tommie eyes longer deal after helping Dons make it five on the spin
TOMMIE HOBAN has confirmed he would be more than happy to sign up for the season with Aberdeen.
The impressive defender penned an initial deal until January but manager Derek McInnes wants him tied down to a long-term deal.
Hoban had a previous loan spell at Pittodrie wrecked by injury but has got over that knee problem and been a big influence on an Aberdeen side who made it five wins on the bounce with a battling triumph over Kilmarnock.
He said: “There’s nothing so far but I’m really enjoying my time here.
“I’ve made no secret of how grateful I am to the club giving me this opportunity and if something does come up we’ll see what happens.”
It was Ross McCrorie who got the goal that mattered against Killie.
Joe Lewis’ kick-out was taken down by Marley Watkins to Scott Wright and he raced forward before pulling back for McCrorie to net with a left-foot shot on the half-volley.
Hoban said: “It was another tough game and the same script, 1-0.
“Hopefully we can score a few more goals and make things a little more comfortable but it’s a big three points to keep our run going and a perfect way to start off after the international break.
“It’s been great for me to be back playing. Last year was very uncertain but I’m just delighted to be back part of the team.”
Scott McKenna was Aberdeen’s best player as he stood up to everything Eamonn Brophy and Nicke Kambamba threw at him. The Scotland defender won just about every header and tackle and there is no doubt having Hoban beside him is taking his game back up the levels. Hoban also showed his quality at both ends with a quality challenge to deny Clevid Dikamona and an effort that almost led to a goal.
Hoban said: “We’ve conceded two goals all season which is impressive. As a defender the most important thing is recording clean sheets so we’re all happy about that and hopefully we can continue on Thursday.
“Everyone can see the attacking quality we have in the side and we’re always going to score goals.
“There is a lot more to come from us but if we can keep a solid platform at the back and bring it into the league and Europe hopefully we can be successful in both competitions.”
Around 300 fans were allowed back into Pittodrie as part of a trial event and the Dons hope to get more than double that against Motherwell this weekend.
Hoban is in no doubt it gave his team a shot in the arm.
He said: “Everyone is desperate for the fans to come back. They give us that 12th man and even having 300 here it felt different. We were aware they were there even if they couldn’t sing but even the applause for the goal was nice.
“We’re all looking forward to getting more fans back in and hopefully it will be sooner rather than later.”
There was only one goal but still plenty of chances and Hoban’s header found Andrew Considine only for the stopper to knock it wide.
Killie had a couple of efforts. Chris Burke’s cross was headed out by Ryan Hedges to Greg Kiltie but his shot was pushed wide by Lewis. Wright then headed away as Calum Waters was ready to net.
A Jonny Hayes long-shot was tipped over by Danny Rogers while Watkins sent Wright clear but he pulled wide.
McKenna then managed to divert a Rory McKenzie effort over the bar and then Hayes beat two players and Rodgers tipped wide.
It was another good day at the office for Hoban. It was a typical Aberdeen performance when they got in front and then saw it out.
Hoban has impressed after his longterm injury and although gaffer McInnes doesn’t want to push him and play him twice a week, the stopper believes he is now in a position to do that, starting in Stavanger on Thursday.
He added: “I still feel my own performances will improve with the more games I get and I’m just trying to help the team as much as I can to have a fantastic season.
“I wouldn’t say I can only play one game a week but at this stage that is probably the ideal scenario as I have been out so long. But the more games I play, the more I train, the fitter I’ll get and I’ll be able to adapt.
“We’ve got a lot of big games coming up and I want to be available for all of them.
“I’m available for Thursday. I didn’t play against the Faroese team as I’d only played one game but I’ve played a couple more now.
“I’m just trying to do my best to rest, recover and be ready for the next game.”
McCrorie, left, celebrates with Watkins after giving Dons a lift with winner