RAMIREZ DEPARTURE WOULD BE SETBACK

When Christian Ramirez upended a bottle carrier upon his removal from Saturday’s action, it would not have been overly uncharitable to note that it was just about the first thing he had kicked in weeks.

But the American’s frustration is understandable, and there is an argument that, in the obvious downturn in his season, he is more sinned against than sinning.

When Ramirez crash-landed in the alien surroundings of north-east Scotland and immediately set about lifting the Dons’ wagon on to his shoulders, his Superman nickname appeared to have some merit.

Providing the attacking focus previously brought by Sam Cosgrove and Adam Rooney, Ramirez raced into double figures earlier in the season than any Aberdeen player besides those two had for 25 years.

Few, though, seemed as affected by the swift collapse in the team’s fortunes.

None, certainly, gave more in the attempt to save the former manager’s job – Ramirez scored excellent goals in each of Stephen Glass’ last three games in charge, only for the team to lose them all .

But if Ramirez feels cut adrift by the gutting of a coaching staff grounded in the US, he should not overlook that it was they who left him stranded.

Their construction of an uneven squad containing little support or relief for its striker has resulted in Ramirez playing 92% of the team’s minutes, pressed into action even when run down, off form, or – as he now is – both.

If, as seems possible, his Aberdeen career is to end this summer, it will be one of unrealised potential.