RAMADANI HAPPY TO PLAY ‘OLD MAN’ IN THE MIDDLE

Although just 26 years old Ylber Ramadani is relishing the role of “old man” in the Aberdeen midfield.

Summer signing Ramadani has operated in a defensive midfield role behind rising stars Connor Barron and Leighton Clarkson.

Scotland U21 cap Barron is 20 and on-loan Liverpool star Clarkson aged 21.

Albanian international Ramadani is loving his role as the experienced campaigner in the heart of the Reds’ midfield.

However, the 23-times-capped international insists he is also learning from “big talents” Barron and Clarkson.

He said: “I’m the old man in the midfield.

“Connor and Leighton are very young players but they have a lot of quality.

“Sometimes I need to speak to them but they help me too.

“We talk to each other all the time in the middle of the park. We are a good combination.

“They are big talents and I think they will have good careers.”

Fans’ favourite Ramadani was secured in a £100,000 transfer from Hungarian club MTK Budapest until summer 2025.

The midfielder says he recognized Barron’s quality during his first day of training.

Aberdeen have offered Barron a new contract but he recently said he was focusing solely on football after long-term injury.