INSTANT IMPACT

Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie hailed the impact of debut goalscorer James Wilson as he netted the winner against Motherwell.

Wilson, pictured, scored on his full debut for his fourth side, following similar feats for Manchester United, Brighton and Sheffield United, as his sixth-minute finish lit up a poor contest at Pittodrie.

There was excitement on the training ground when it was announced the 22-year-old would be moving north on loan with Shinnie pleased to see Wilson get off the mark after working hard to recover from a hamstring injury.

Shinnie said: “James struggled with an injury when he came in but he’s worked hard to come back. He took his goal very well and it’s good for him to get off the mark as quickly as he did. He’ll pick up sharpness and hopefully bang the goals in. There’s always going to be expectation with where he’s coming from but he’ll be delighted and keen now to get better and better.

“It’s always tough when people first come into the club and try to settle. It was disappointing for him to get the injury but he worked hard to get back. When he’s playing for Man United, you’re always aware of people like that. There was a buzz when he came in and you need that excitement when you sign new players. Players will always put pressure on themselves, especially strikers. James and Sam (Cosgrove) worked very well together and he will want to score as many as he can.

“He can definitely fill the void (of Adam Rooney). He’s got a bit of pace about him and with him and Sam, who does the hustle and bustle, James is there to pick up balls in the breakdown.”

The Dons return to action tomorrow night in the quarter-finals of the Betfred Cup with a trip to Easter Road to face Hibernian.