The Scotsman

Fit-again Anderson is desperate to get

- MARTIN DEMPSTER

NEITHER Paul Lawrie or Russell Anderson have seen much action lately in their respective sports. The former’s European Tour schedule has been curtailed over the past couple of seasons by niggling injuries; the latter hasn’t kicked a ball for Aberdeen due to knee trouble since the end of August.

“We were just discussing which one of us is crocked more and I think Russell is winning that hands down at the minute,” joked Lawrie as the pair sat side-by-side in the Murcar Links clubhouse, his quip raising a smile on Anderson’s face.

It’s been a torrid time for the Aberdeen club captain. His joy at lifting the League Cup last season – a first trophy triumph for the Pittodrie club in 19 years – has turned into sheer frustratio­n, having spent most of the current campaign on the sidelines.

In his second spell at the club, having returned to the northeast in 2012 after an unfulfilli­ng period south of the Border, he’s finally on the road to recovery, having already played in one under-20 game and turning out in another last night against Hearts. But, while Aberdeen are destined for their best league finish for 21 years, Anderson is unsure if he’ll still be around to be part of the exciting future being built by Derek Mcinnes. Out of contract at the end of the season, crunch time is on the horizon for the experience­d central defender.

“I have put a lot of thought into it,” said Anderson in reply to being asked about his future. “Whether I will be a part of the squad or not will become a lot clearer over the next two or three weeks. I have loved having my time back at the club. I appreciate I have not played a lot this season. It will come down to a conversati­on I have with the manager. It will be a two-way dialogue because that is how these things go. We will just have to wait and see.

“I’m fit again now. It has

 ?? Picture: Getty ?? Lawrie with captain Jose Maria Olazabal after helping Europe win the Ryder Cup in 2012
Picture: Getty Lawrie with captain Jose Maria Olazabal after helping Europe win the Ryder Cup in 2012

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