ADAM COLLIN stepped into the void left vacant by Danny Ward just under a week ago and admits he grabbed the chance to revitalise his career away at Aberdeen.
The former Carlisle United goalkeeper, out of favour at Rotherham United, has joined the Granite City side on loan until the end of the season, but Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes stressed that, should he impress in the way Ward did before he was re-called to Liverpool, his future could be bright.
The arrival at Pittodrie of the 6ft 5in Collin means he could go straight into the Aberdeen line-up for tomorrow’s vital Ladbrokes Premiership fixture against Ross County in Dingwall after being encouraged to make the switch from South Yorkshire to the North-East of Scotland.
“Andy Dibble, my goalkeeping coach, told me it was a fantastic opportunity,” the 31-year-old said, “and so did everyone else I asked about it.
“I have been frustrated at Rotherham because I haven’t been playing games, so when a club the size of Aberdeen comes knocking, you jump at it.
“My contract is up at the end of the season, so if I do well here then who knows what can happen.
“But if towards the end of the season the manager wanted to keep me then that would definitely be something I’d be interested in.
“I have been used to playing in the past, I played 150 matches on the bounce at Carlisle and played 35 times in the Championship last season.
“So I have been used to playing, which makes it even more frustrating when you are sitting out.
“The gaffer was very enthusiastic and has a passion for Aberdeen.
“He sounded like someone I definitely wanted to come and play for.”
McInnes, meanwhile, continues to seek a midfield player to cover for the absence of Ryan Jack, the team captain, and Willo Flood, both unavailable for five more weeks because of injuries.
He wouldn’t be drawn on specific names, but it’s known he is an admirer of Stuart Bannigan, the Partick Thistle player, though Alan Archibald, the Firhill manager, has insisted he will remain with the Jags until the end of the season.
“I am not going to be specific on any player,” McInnes said when questioned over Bannigan and Don Cowie, the Wigan midfielder, with whom he has also been linked.
“We want to do our work respectfully and as quietly as we can.
“We speak to agents all the time but there are no players at the forefront of our thoughts at the minute.”
McInnes was adamant that there was no shame in exiting the William Hill Scottish Cup against Hearts last weekend as his sole focus now turned to the league campaign.
“Our season is now a 16-game campaign,” he said, “and we have to meet the challenge head on.
“We’re unbeaten in eight games and while we’re disappointed with last weekend’s result we have to respond the right way.”
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