Aberdeen’s new signing James Maddison wants to prove to Norwich City manager Alex Neil that he is ready for the Canaries first team by starring for the Dons.
The 19-year-old has joined the Dons on loan until January and is poised to make his debut against Caley Thistle at Pittodrie this afternoon.
Attacking midfielder Maddison, who made a £2.5million move from Coventry to Carrow Road in February, is excited about his new opportunity in Scottish football.
He said: “At Norwich, I’ve got players like Wes Hoolahan and Steven Naismith in my position.
“They’re two very big names and players who are in really good form.
“Wes had a really good Euros with the Republic of Ireland and Steven is a quality player, who played in the Premier League for many years.
“I asked the manager if I could go out on loan and play some first-team games instead of sitting on the bench and maybe getting the odd game here and there.
“I wanted regular action and I hope I get that with Aberdeen and be able to show everyone what I’m about.
“It’s not like I had come through the academy system at Norwich.
“I broke into Coventry City’s first team when I was 16 and I’ve had that first-team exposure a lot earlier than most. I didn’t want to go back the way.
“I got my move to Norwich and had a really good pre-season with the first team but I felt being on the bench would maybe have been a step back in my development.
“I need to be playing games and I think I can do that at Aberdeen and show Alex Neil what I’m about.”
Maddison believes his style of play will excite the Aberdeen supporters.
He added: “I like to chip-in with goals and assists because I’m an attacking player and that’s what an attacking player should do.
“Hopefully, in the coming weeks you’ll be able to see what type of player I am and that I’ll have a positive impact on the team.
“I’m quite an ambitious lad.
“I could have stayed in England and made things easier for myself but I like to challenge myself. I think I’m doing exactly that with this move and I think I’ll benefit from it.”
