McINNES SALUTES HIS ‘FANTASTIC’ HAT-TRICK HERO

DEREK McINNES hailed ‘fantastic’ 19-year-old Scott Wright for his hat-trick against Partick Thistle in a resounding 6-0 victory yesterday, with the Dons manager’s only problem ahead of Saturday’s Scottish Cup final appearing to be who he leaves out. Young Wright certainly staked his claim on what was only his second start for the team and his boss was delighted with the way he seized the day. ‘Wee Scott played the way he’s been training recently,’ enthused McInnes. ‘He’s been fantastic. We reminded players there was an opportunity here. ‘You can’t always play your way into the team through your training but you can play your way out of it. ‘Every day the players have the chance to show me what they can do and Scott took his today. He was tremendous. ‘We wanted to rest Niall McGinn and we’re going to lose him and one or two others but the likes of Scott gives us real optimism for the future. ‘We think a lot of him and it’s all been about trying to get him into the team. Regarding our wide players, McGinn and Jonny Hayes have had more assists than anyone else in the Premiership. ‘Jonny has edged a bit closer to Niall in the scoring department, too, recently, so it’s good for Scott not just to show what a good player he is but to assist and score as well.’ Teenager Wright, who was joined on the scoresheet by Hayes and two-goal Ryan Christie, said : ‘I’ve probably given myself the best chance of being involved (in the final). ‘I’ve been patient all season and obviously with boys like Jonny and Niall, it’s going to be hard to budge them out of their slot in the team. ‘Especially when I think they are two of the most consistent players in the league, never mind the Aberdeen team. ‘But if I’m given my chance, then I’ll just try to do what I did today and give it my best.’ McInnes’ joy was complete when previously injured duo Ryan Jack and Peter Pawlett emerged unscathed after coming off the bench for the second half. For Thistle manager Alan Archibald, however, it was an afternoon to forget. ‘Look, the players have been great but it just leaves a bad taste in the mouth after the last couple of games,’ he said. ‘It’s hard to have a go because they have been so good over the course of the season.’