Aluko ready to revive the old magic as Dons seek hot spell

winger insists he can bring much from his egyptian adventure

By Alex Martin

Published:

CHEQUERED SEASON: Sone Aluko still has plenty of time to come good again for Aberdeen. Raymond Besant

Aberdeen winger Sone Aluko has not had his troubles to seek, with selection for Nigeria in the under-20 World Cup in Egypt meaning he missed a significant part of the early season.

Aluko returned to Scotland injured following a pre-tournament training camp in Spain and then rejoined the Nigeria squad without the Dons’ permission before being told to return to clear the air.

In Egypt, it did not get much better as he was substituted twice and left on the bench in the other match as the Flying Eagles were eliminated in the group stages.

Pleasantries were exchanged with his manager and the winger went into a period of seclusion.

But the London-born former Birmingham player insists that all is well – and he is ready for a starting role against St Johnstone at Pittodrie today.

Asked if there had been a fall-out with Mark McGhee, Aluko said: “It was nothing personal.

“Some people have an agenda and when the story broke they made more out of it than there was. I don’t have a problem with the manager and he doesn’t have one with me.”

Aluko admits he has not reached the heights of last season, but says there is nothing sinister about his slide in form.

He added: “Throughout my career there have been ups and downs – it happens to young wingers.

“There has been criticism of my form but I can handle it because I’ve had it before. The manager didn’t need to say anything because I expected more of myself.

“It’s not like I want to play badly, this is just the way it happens. It’s very frustrating not to play and show what I can do. Once I get my chance, I’ve got to prove I deserve to stay in the team.”

Despite his frustrating start to the campaign, Aluko insists his Egyptian adventure will make him a better player and said: “I played against some of the best youngsters in the world – from Real Madrid, Barcelona and Arsenal – and I’d never have got that opportunity if I hadn’t been with Nigeria.

“The competition in so many ways had a positive effect on me, but it will take longer to put into practice and show it has improved my game. The games came so thick and fast that you had to stay very focused.

“As far as I know, I still have an opportunity of going to the African Nations Cup.”