PETER PAWLETT will treasure his winning goal against Celtic in the last 16 of the William Hill Scottish Cup even though it is not the first thing that comes to mind when he thinks back on last month's tie.
The strike was voted goal of the round by fans but the Aberdeen player was unable to enjoy the after-match celebrations after having to be substituted following a clash of heads with Kris Commons.
"It is probably my favourite goal because of the importance of it to the team but I couldn't celebrate it much as I got a bang on the head," Pawlett said. "It's great to look back at it but not so much at the time.
"I was meant to be doing a TV interview after the game - instead I was in the toilet being sick. It happened not long after the goal. I got caught by Kris Commons and started to feel a bit dizzy. I had to come off but at least we got the right result."
Pawlett had scored just once for Aberdeen before this season but is now on seven for the campaign and hopes to add to that figure against Dumbarton in the quarter-finals of the cup this afternoon.
"It's something the manager has spoken to me about. He's keen to see me adding more goals to my game," said the 23-year-old. "I'm happy with how it's gone but I'd love to get to double figures. I'm playing in a more central position this year and maybe getting more opportunities.
"It boosts the confidence. I have scored six goals with my left foot this season and one with my head - and I'm meant to be right-footed. Going out on loan to St Johnstone helped. I played maybe 10 games on the trot there and was getting 90 minutes and doing all right. Before, I'd maybe play one game and then get injured."
Meanwhile, Willie Miller has urged the Aberdeen board to give Derek McInnes a long-term contract because of the demand the manager could be in should he deliver a cup double this season - with his team also in next weekend's League Cup final - at a club that has not won silverware for 19 years.
McInnes's deal only runs until 2015. Miller said: "If Derek can take one [trophy] then he will be right up there If he can take two in his first full season at the club, then it has to make him legendary. It could be the beginning of something special.
"The problem when you have success is holding on to your players and the manager. I'm sure a lot of the players will be under the microscopes of other clubs and Derek, too, even though he has had a trip down south which didn't work out.
If he continues to be successful and brings trophies to Aberdeen on a regular basis, then just as with Fergie [Sir Alex Ferguson], someone will come chapping. It would be prudent to get him on a longer contract sooner rather later."
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