McINNES BACKS MADDISON TO MAKE DIFFERENCE
DEREK McINNES believes loan signing James Maddison can supply the magic touch which ensures Aberdeen remain Celtic’s main title rivals this season. The teenager, who will make his debut against Inverness Caley Thistle tomorrow, was brought in from Norwich on deadline day to add a creative spark to the Pittodrie midfield. Too often last season, McInnes felt his side dominated games only to lack the element of surprise required to edge tight matches. Now he reckons he has found the answer in the youngster, who was signed by Canaries boss Alex Neil from Coventry last January in a deal that could eventually cost Norwich £6million. ‘Hopefully, James will show just how good a player he is during his time with us,’ said McInnes. ‘He can bring us that little bit of magic and quality and has the ability to unlock doors in tight games. ‘He’s a lovely footballer, technically very good, and has a great delivery at set-plays as well. He also has great balance and is a very confident young lad. ‘It’s all about finding answers for every opponent and every circumstance and hopefully bringing in James will help us find those answers more often.’ Maddison is just the latest in a series of impressive loan deals McInnes has secured since taking over at Pittodrie in 2013. Michael Hector was brought in from Reading and went on to earn a £4m move to Chelsea, who have now loaned the defender out to Eintracht Frankfurt. When Brendan Rodgers was still in charge at Liverpool last season, he sent Danny Ward on loan to the Granite City and the goalkeeper went on to play for Wales at Euro 2016. Now, in addition to Maddison, McInnes also has highlyrated Wales Under-21 striker Wes Burns on loan from Bristol City and believes Aberdeen will benefit from similar deals in the future. ‘Big clubs in England do see the benefit of putting players on loan to Aberdeen,’ he said. ‘They now see Aberdeen as a club at the right end of the table and with its own pressures and demands on a player whether young or old. ‘It also helps that we’ve had a few successes with loan players over the last couple of seasons and raised the profile of the club. ‘Alex Neil and Norwich felt if James came here it would help bridge that gap from playing in England’s League One to playing in their team on a regular basis. ‘However, like all loan players who come here, James knows he will have to work hard and buy into and commit to what we are trying to do at the club.’ While Maddison is expected to start tomorrow, McInnes also has Jonny Hayes and Peter Pawlett available again after injury. Ryan Jack has been sidelined for at least six weeks after a knee operation and Mark Reynolds is suspended after being sent off in the recent 4-1 defeat at Celtic Park.