Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes expects Barry Robson to commit his future to the club after opening talks with the midfielder on a new deal.
McInnes is keen to reward the 35-year-old former Scotland international for his impressive performances for the club this season and believes the Inverurie-born midfielder is keen to stay at Pittodrie.
The Dons manager, who singled out the veteran for praise after his performance against Dundee United in Saturday’s 1-1 draw, said: “There’s not going to be a problem there. He loves it here. He’s been instrumental in everything we’ve done this season already and, as you saw against Dundee United, he covered so much ground. He’s a winner, a competitor and someone I always want with me.
“We’re confident we’ll get round to sorting everything out. I don’t there have been any questionmarks over whether he’s going to get a new contract. We’ve spoken to him, although we haven’t got round to agreeing anything.
“His performances have been great this season and he’s been a pivotal player and part of the squad and we are a better team with him here and I’m sure that will continue to be the case.”
Aberdeen attacker Niall McGinn, meanwhile, was a happy man after finally ending his goal drought on Saturday.
McGinn had last scored on December 21 but the Northern Ireland international struck seven minutes after the break to level the scores as the second-placed Dons drew with their north-east rivals. The 26-year old said: “I’d nearly forgotten how to score. It’s great to score a goal again and there was a bit of joy and relief.
“I’ve been getting chances in the last few games and I’ve always felt I could chip in. Hopefully, that will kickstart the scoring and I’ll get a few more goals between now and the end of the season.”
McGinn was swamped by team-mates as he raced towards the halfway line after his goal and the emotions he was feeling were clearly on show.
He said: “All the players have been excellent and they were all congratulating me after the game.”
Point made, Pages 62, 63