The transfer window has yet to open for Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes, but he believes having midfielder Barry Robson finally back fit is like a new signing.
The former Celtic, Middlesbrough and Vancouver Whitecaps veteran has endured a frustrating campaign after suffering a knee injury on the opening day of the season against Kilmarnock.
The 35-year-old, capped 17 times for Scotland, was then sent off after coming on as a substitute in the 3-1 defeat by Hearts at Pittodrie last month and had to wait until this month’s Scottish Cup match against Partick Thistle to make his first start for the Dons since August.
Robson played his part in the 1-0 win at Firhill by crossing for Andrew Considine’s winner and enjoyed another impressive display in Saturday’s 2-0 success at St Johnstone.
McInnes hopes Robson, who signed a one-year contract in the summer, can now make up for lost time in the remainder of the campaign.
The Dons manager said: “The Partick cup tie was Barry’s first full 90 minutes for Aberdeen, which was quite surprising and showed how long he had been out.
“I told him his season was really just starting as he has had to kick his heels through injury then suspension.
“I’m glad to get him fit again as we brought him to try to improve the side and it’s good to have the chance.
“It’s really like having a new signing available before the transfer window opens again and hopefully he can influence the side.
“The injury took longer to heal than we first anticipated and we had to manage him through his comeback with just bits and pieces in games.
“He is a big personality and is desperate to show what he can do over a sustained period in an Aberdeen shirt.
“Barry has the ability and quality which can be the difference between winning and losing some of the tight games we have been involved in.
“It’s great to have him back in the side as we have a lot of important matches ahead of us.”
Irish midfielder Willo Flood is pushing for a start against St Mirren this weekend after continuing his recovery from a hamstring injury sustained against Hearts last month by coming on as a second half substitute against the Perth Saints.
McInnes added: “Willo and Barry are two I brought into the midfield to have an influence on and off the pitch as they are good personalities.
“Defensively we haven’t had too many injuries other than Clark Robertson.
“We have always managed to cope and some of the younger ones have come in when required and helped us get some decent results.”