Derek McInnes, the Aberdeen manager, believes Niall McGinn was let down by his agent after a picture of the Pittodrie striker sitting among Celtic fans was posted on Twitter.

 

Gerry Carlile posted a photograph of McGinn sitting beside Anthony Stokes in the Celtic end during their win at Kilmarnock on Monday. McInnes spoke to McGinn about the issue and warned all of his players they are under the spotlight while leading Celtic in the SPFL Premiership, but he said his player was guilty only of naivety.

McGinn was criticised on social media but McInnes said: "We have to realise that us and a few others are being looked at as challengers at the minute. Because we find ourselves at the top of the league there is a focus on us. I think the McGinn story is an example.

"Niall goes on his day off to a game with his pal. All of a sudden it can be perceived as something more than it actually is. The only thing he has been guilty of is a bit of naivety.

"I have absolutely no problem with it. I just think it is a warning that they have to be more careful in everything they do. Everything is being watched. His tickets were meant to be in the Main Stand and all of a sudden he goes with his pal and he's behind the goal, which isn't ideal.

"He has been let down by probably the guy he trusts most, his agent, who has then made the decision to put something on Twitter and brought an unnecessary spotlight on Niall. I think it's a disregard for both Niall and Aberdeen."

McGinn, a former Celtic player, rubbished suggestions he had celebrated the opening goal in the champions' 2-0 win.

"I think only a very, very small percentage of our support would criticise him," said McInnes. "Nobody who has watched Niall would ever question his commitment. He has our full support.

"You would have the question the reason for why that was put out, but nothing is going to derail or undermine what we are trying to do."