Aberdeen v Dundee: Hayes admits wing rival Fraser deserves to steal spotlight

Saturday 27 October 2012

JONNY HAYES could be forgiven for feeling usurped by Ryan Fraser in the rivalry to be Aberdeen's entertainer-in-chief.

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The Irishman even discovered on a trip home to Dublin that his team-mate has been catching the eye some way from Pittodrie.

However, Hayes, who has been missing from Aberdeen's starting line-up for their past two games, insists he is pleased Fraser has proved such a hit and admits it could be difficult to force his way back into Craig Brown's plans for today's visit of Dundee, with Fraser and Niall McGinn in top form.

Much was made of Hayes' move to the Granite City from Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the summer. However, since the season began it has been Fraser, playing for his home-town team, who has captured the headlines with his old-style wing play.Hayes said: "I don't want to give him a big head, but even when I was home in Ireland for a few days people there were asking about Ryan. That's amazing because in general they don't follow Scottish football back there except for Celtic, so that shows the impact he's made. I told them he's the best young player I have ever played with and no disrespect to the others but he really is that much of a talent."Obviously it's a little bit frustrating [to be left on the bench] but when I missed the Hibs game [through injury] I saw how well the team were playing. Niall has come in and scored every match and Ryan has been the best player in the SPL this season, so I fully understand why I haven't been getting a start."But I prefer to have tough competition for places in the team because if you didn't have that the temptation would be to rest on your laurels at times."Meanwhile, Barry Smith, the Dundee manager, admits he will not be shy about seeking the advice post-match of Brown and his Aberdeen counterpart's coaches Archie Knox and Jocky Scott. Brown was Smith's manager when he was in the Scotland under-21 team and the 38-year-old played under Scott at Dens Park."Any experienced coach such Craig or Jocky Scott, Alex Smith, Jim Duffy, I speak to them all," Smith said. "I want to win and I want to do better. If you can't learn from these guys then you are struggling."I was on the phone to Alex Smith the other day. I went down to watch the under-20s game [against Falkirk] and we had a wee chat before the match. I appreciate him taking the time to phone me. Sometimes that's what you need, maybe a different insight into something."Smith, who is running the rule over an American trialist, admits even a draw at Pittodrie would be welcome after five consecutive defeats. He said: "It's a tough place to go. Obviously our objective is to get three points but I think a point away from home at the stage we're at would be a good point. They are definitely a team on the way up."

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Aberdeen v Dundee: Hayes admits wing rival Fraser deserves to steal spotlight

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