Cooper wants to extend stay of Dons pair at Peterhead
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PETERHEAD manager Neale Cooper is looking to extend the loan deals of the two Aberdeen youngsters who have helped turn the Blue Toon’s season around.
Goalkeeper Jon Bateman and midfielder Nicky Clark have taken central roles the Balmoor side’s recent return to form as Peterhead have been unbeaten in six matches.
Both are due to return to Pittodrie in January but Cooper hopes he can persuade Dons manager Mark McGhee to allow them to stay in Buchan until the end of the season.
He said: “The team has been working really hard in the past few weeks and that has translated into some very good results.”
“We are on a good run and Jon and Nicky have played their part in that because they are both playing well.
“John Stewart is also in great form at the moment.
“Jon and Nicky are both due to head back to Pittodrie in January but I would be very happy to extend those deals if I can.”
Clark, 18, hopes his loan spell at Peterhead can propel him into the Aberdeen first team.
He said: “It’s going really well at Peterhead and I’m really enjoying it, especially because I’m getting a run in the first team now.
Chance
“I just hope the experience of playing here can help me get in to the first team when I go back to Aberdeen.
“Mark McGhee told me to go out on loan, and if I do well here, then I could get a chance when I go back to Pittodrie.”
After farming Bateman out to Balmoor at the start of the season, McGhee said the spell would aid the 20-year-old’s efforts to get established at Pittodrie.
Peterhead travel to East Fife tomorrow boosted by the return of influential defender Bobby Mann.
Despite Scott Michie being the only player not available this weekend, Cooper insists he is still on the look-out for new players, despite his side’s great form.
“I am always looking for more players,” he said. “The search never stops.”
The Scottish Football League has confirmed the match between Peterhead and Arbroath a week tomorrow will kick-off at 2pm as work to upgrade the floodlights at Balmoor continues.
