DEREK McINNES, the Aberdeen manager, has boosted his backroom team with the appointment of Graham Kirk as the club's first head of sports science.

Kirk held a similar post at St Johnstone during McInnes' time at McDiarmid Park and both men are delighted to be joining forces once more.

"It's important we have good staff here," explained McInnes, who also praised ROVOP for their financial help in securing Kirk's skills, the North Sea energy services company having provided £20,000 to fund the move. "It is a role that I feel is crucial for a modern day professional football club. It is something we were lacking. Our competitors have seen the importance of that role and I do believe his involvement working with the players will pay dividends going forward."

Peter Pawlett, the Aberdeen winger, has put his recovery from long-term hamstring problems down to Kirk, who treated him while he was on loan at the Perth club.