The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Hedges effect is growing on boss McInnes
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes believes Ryan Hedges is finally showing the form which convinced the Dons to sign him last summer.
The Wales international joined the Dons on a three-year deal from Barnsley last summer but struggled to hold down a regular place in the side after a bright start to his Pittodrie career.
However, the 25-year-old has returned rejuvenated and revitalised following the break in action due to the coronavirus shutdown of the game by scoring four goals in the last four games and providing an assists to leave his manager delighted.
McInnes said: “Ryan’s goals and assists were good last year. He started the season pretty well and we felt he was impacting more away from home.
“He missed out on starting the Europa League game as we went with two up top but when he is as confident as he is you cannot ignore that.
“He was good again at Hibs in our last game and I like how he is at the minute.
“He’s missed only two or three days of work and has added motivation to be part of the Wales squad for the Euros next summer.
“He gives us goals and speed and when he is as direct as he has been he is a real asset. He has shown why we brought him here last year.”
The form of the attacking players has prompted McInnes to field a three-man defence in three of the last four matches and the Don boss believes he can trust any of his central defenders to perform within the system if called upon.
Tommie Hoban has started in two of the last four games as he continues his comeback from a serious knee injury which kept him out for 18 months and, while hugely impressed by the former Watford defender’s displays, the Aberdeen manager is determined to manage Hoban’s return carefully.
He said: “There is an assurance about Tommie and we are keen to keep him going.
“We picked a team with the Runavik game in mind and we had to prepare for the Hibs game with the potential of a few boys missing.
“He can play anywhere in the back three, at full back, is a good user of the ball, good in the air and is quick.
“He makes the ones around him that bit calmer as well which is always an indication of a good player.
“He’s not just managing his own game, he is making others around him better.”