Dons joy as Lampard allows Max to return

And McInnes plots Saints raid for Shaughnessy

ABERDEEN boss Derek McInnes last night hailed the return of Derby County left-back Max Lowe for a second loan spell at Pittodrie as ‘brilliant news’ for the Dons.

And he is ready to deal his former club St Johnstone a shattering blow by taking another ex-Aberdeen player, defender Joe Shaughnessy, back to the Granite City four years after releasing him.

Impressive 21-year-old Lowe (below) started twice for Frank Lampard’s Derby side this month after making 19 appearances in all competitions for Aberdeen in the first half of the season.

But with Ashley Cole talking to Lampard about a potential return to English football having left LA Galaxy in November, the Rams have now allowed the youngster to head back north.

‘It’s brilliant news,’ McInnes told the club’s official website. ‘We were looking at a number of left-backs but when the opportunity arose to bring Max back, it was one that we were keen to pick up where we left off. We didn’t want to lose him in the first place. ‘He showed everyone the potential he’s got earlier in the season and we hope we can get that and more from him more during the second half of the campaign.’ Lampard said: ‘Max is very much our player and remains in our longterm plans but we felt for his long-term development it was important for him to continue to get regular first-team matches. ‘Aberdeen is a fantastic place for him to do that. He has really progressed under Derek McInnes and we have a great relationship with him. ‘It’ll be good for Max to get more games under his belt and return to us in the summer ready for next season.’ McInnes, meanwhile, is set to boost his defensive options further by signing 26-yearold Saints skipper Shaughnessy on a pre-contract deal. Saints boss Tommy Wright has been trying to persuade the Irishman to sign an extended contract with the team that rescued his career in 2015. But McInnes has been very impressed with the player’s progress in Perth and has informed St Johnstone of his intentions.

Shaughnessy made only three appearances in his final season at Pittodrie after being loaned out to Falkirk and was not offered a new deal to remain at the club.

Losing someone who can play at right-back and central defence will be a major setback for Wright but he is aware he cannot compete financially with the Dons.

McInnes is still hoping to extend the stay of skipper Graeme Shinnie beyond the summer following reports the midfielder was set to sign a pre-contract with Wigan, but is growing increasingly resigned to losing Gary MackaySteven to New York City FC.

‘I know Paul Cook, the Wigan manager, he is one of my best friends in football, and he was quick to phone me and say there was absolutely nothing in it (the link with Shinnie),’ said McInnes.

‘I certainly think he is more than considering staying at Aberdeen. But Graeme did say to me back in September/October that he just wanted some time to consider everything.

‘I said before he is quite within his rights with that. He did indicate he would let me know in January and we still have a lot of January to go.

‘At the minute, my concentration is to get players in if we can but, if Graeme wants to come and see me, the door’s always open. We actually have a really strong relationship and I’m still hopeful we can find a way for Graeme to stay at the club. Nothing has changed on that.’

Aberdeen have offered former Celtic winger Mackay-Steven a lucrative new deal to extend his two-year stay at Pittodrie beyond this summer.

But the MLS giants are intent on signing him and McInnes admits that the 28-year-old Scotland international is definitely interested in the move.

New York would have to pay a transfer fee if they want him for the start of their season in March.

Mackay-Steven is facing a potentially life-changing decision and McInnes is willing to give him time to make it.

‘I spoke with Gary yesterday and he said he wants to find out a bit more about the New York City offer,’ said the Dons boss.

‘He has to weigh up everything and take his time with that.

‘They’ve contacted us and I’m sure Gary will want to look at that a bit more closely and see if it’s for him or not.

‘But he’s still not told us that we’re not under consideration and, until he does, we live in hope.’

McInnes is also working on a return from Birmingham for striker Greg Stewart either this month or in the summer.