Former Aberdeen striker Billy Dodds reckons the Dons squad does not need major changes ahead of the transfer deadline on Friday.
Manager Derek McInnes is only looking for one more addition, believed to be a full-back, ahead of the weekend but Dodds sees plenty of promise in what the Dons boss has assembled.
McInnes has made seven signings this summer, with a goalkeeper, a defender, four midfielders and a striker added to his squad. James Wilson was the latest addition earlier this month, in a bid to fill the gap left by Adam Rooney’s move to Salford City.
Scott McKenna has been heavily linked with a move away from Pittodrie but so far the Dons have rebuffed any interest, including a £3.5million bid from Celtic for the Scotland international.
McInnes said after the Hibernian game last weekend that they would hold out for bigger money from the English Premier League when McKenna leaves, with Aberdeen under no financial pressure to sell.
Dodds said: “I don’t think it’s a squad that needs a huge amount of wholesale changes. They brought in James Wilson, who’s a natural goalscorer. Stevie May looks like he’s finding a bit of form and they’ve got big Sam Cosgrove too.
“Last year Derek wasn’t happy with his recruitment but he doesn’t aportion blame. He won’t just blame his recruitment guy. I thought he might try get another striker but looking how lively Bruce Anderson has been, that might make his mind up that he’s got enough until January.
“The other one Derek might have gone for is a centre-back, with Scott McKenna’s injury. I think Scott trusts Derek that much he’ll let him decide when he goes. It’s refreshing as sometimes it’s dictated by agents. Going too early down to England can be a gamble and Derek knows what he’s doing with him.
“I know the way Derek and Stewart (Milne) work and the bid from Celtic was rejected with authority. They know, barring a disaster, they will get money for him. It’s a shame he’s missing the Scotland games as that would have been another test for him.”
McKenna misses out on the latest round of Scotland fixtures, with a friendly against Belgium and their first Uefa Nations League contest against Albania scheduled for September 7 and 10. The Dons will have some representation in Alex McLeish’s squad, however, with skipper Graeme Shinnie keeping his place after making his debut in May’s internationals.
Dodds reckons the door is not shut on in-form midfielder Gary Mackay-Steven, who has started the season with four goals in six games, getting the chance to add to his solitary international cap.
He said: “He’s playing well and concentrating on his club football. He’s good enough to play for Scotland if he shows consistency. Gary at his best, week in week out, giving big teams a hard time. Why not?”