The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Shinnie rates first Derby goal just below special Dons strike
EFL: First Derby goal highly rated by former Dons skipper
Former Aberdeen skipper Graeme Shinnie ranks his maiden Derby County goal up there with any he has netted in his career.
Shinnie rattled in a rightfoot half-volley in stoppagetime on Wednesday night to seal a 1-0 win for the Rams against Wigan Athletic at Pride Park.
It was the Scotland international’s first goal for the English Championship club since his summer move from the Dons and continued his elevation to firm favourite with the Rams fans.
Shinnie struggled for game time under Phillip Cocu after the Dutchman replaced Frank Lampard, who signed the former Don before departing for Chelsea.
Shinnie had to wait until October 5 for his first league start – a 2-0 win over Luton – after being restricted to two EFL Cup appearances.
Shinnie rates his winner for the Dons in a Europa League tie against Apollon Limassol, a game the Dons won 2-1 at Pittodrie, as the best of his career.
However, to open his Rams account in such style made Wednesday special.
He said: “It’s very, very high (on the list). I’ve not scored many in my career so that one is right up there. I scored one for Aberdeen late on in the Europa League, which is probably top of the tree, but that one ranks right up there.
“I love scoring goals and helping the team. At that stage of the game it’s more special. I’m delighted to get my first goal for the club and hopefully there’s more to come.
“It was just delight for getting the goal. I’m a passionate player – I play with my heart on my sleeve.”
The midweek triumph was only Derby’s fourth win of the season and came on the back of a disappointing 3-0 reverse against Charlton Athletic.
Shinnie’s winner takes them up to 14th in the table, ahead of a weekend visit to Hull City.
Shinnie added: “It was a tough night. We didn’t play anywhere near what we wanted but it’s important we still won the game.
“You can understand the fans getting frustrated and the players getting frustrated in the game.
“It’s important we stick at it right to the end – games go to 90 minutes. You get a chance and luckily we got the goal at the end.
“We need to be a lot sounder at the back and as a whole team. If you can build on that sort of platform we have got the players to do the business up front.”