Vyner hoping he hasn’t seen the last of Cosgrove
SAM COSGROVE has played his last game of 2019, leaving Zak Vyner hoping the striker is still at Aberdeen when their first match of the New Year rolls around in three weeks’ time.
The prolific Dons marksman is suspended for today’s home match with Livingston and Sunday’s trip to face Hearts at Tynecastle after failing to overturn the red card he received at Celtic Park.
Cosgrove was sent off for a challenge on Kristoffer Ajer last Saturday but not before scoring his 30th goal of the calendar year in the 2-1 defeat against the defending champions.
That form that has attracted predictable interest in the player, with Leeds United, Derby County, Middlesbrough and Stoke City all contemplating bids during the January transfer window.
Meanwhile, Queens Park Rangers have revived their interest in Scott McKenna and Vyner isn’t surprised so many English Championship sides are interested in the pair.
After all, someone on a seasonlong loan from Bristol City knows what is required there but would prefer them to still be at Pittodrie for next month’s Scottish Cup tie against Dumbarton.
Vyner said: ‘They are more than capable of cutting it in England. Sam’s record has been great and Scott has shown in the last few years why he has been linked with clubs in England.
‘It’s no surprise given the form that they are in as they are both playing really well, but I hope they will continue to do that at Aberdeen.
‘I’m told it has been a huge change in Sam since he came to the club and I know from smallsided games in training how tough it is to play against him — and Curtis Main, to be fair.
‘He has scored a lot of goals for us but I don’t know what is going on with him and all that matters is he is an Aberdeen player. This year he has been a great threat for us.
‘Sam just has to continue his form as he’s is going in the right direction. If his career carries on the way he is going, then he will be fine.’
The same could be said for Vyner, who played 31 times in the Championship last season while the 22-year-old right-back was on loan at Rotherham United.
Continuing that education with a move to the Scottish Premiership was partly encouraged by the Robins’ coach, former Dons defender Jamie McAllister, and it’s certainly increased his versatility.
Craig Bryson’s injury problems, which will need surgery to correct next month, saw Vyner employed in midfield, most recently at Celtic Park.
‘I came here as a defender and
I’ve played right-back for the last year,’ he added. ‘It is the position I like to play in and feel most comfortable in. I played in centre midfield at Motherwell as Lewis Ferguson was suspended and Funso Ojo and Craig Bryson were injured and I did well.
‘I’m in a position where I will do what I need to do to play and it’s been a great learning experience but, if you are asking me where I feel most comfortable, it is right-back. Bristol are happy with how the move has gone so far though. I’m just going about my business myself but I have spoken to Macca after certain games.
‘I missed the Hamilton match due to flu but I came back in against Celtic. We’re disappointed to lose that one and have to rectify that in the Livingston game.
‘A loss is a loss and we have to dust ourselves down but we can hold our heads higher than we did after the last time we played Celtic when they beat us too easily.’
Sam and Scott are more than capable of playing in England