Chris Sutton has heaped praise on Sam Cosgrove after his ever-improving goalscoring return.
The Aberdeen striker has delivered nine goals in his last eight games, including a double against Hamilton Accies on Wednesday night.
Former Celtic players and BT Sport pundit Sutton also gave McInnes a pat on the back for his patience in developing the 22-year-old.
Sutton said: “I am a big fan of Ferguson and Shinnie, but I like the boy Cosgrove and what he has done this season. In terms of his strike ratio before, he was very raw but he had something – and you talk about the Scottish market, that is what Scottish have to deal with and work with. Derek McInnes has that incredible patience with it and I like stories like that. His second goal against Hamilton he took very well.
“It’s an incredible story and McInnes deserves all the credit in the world for persevering with him – nine in eight games having scored one goal in his life before – and he was so so raw before.
“But it’s difficult in Scotland with the expectations of the fan bases, they want to see their teams competing. Managers don’t get time in this day and age, so for Aberdeen to do what they have done and be in their position is remarkable – it’s very much on for them as well.”
Cosgrove has 11 goals for the season, one behind Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos in the Premiership standings.
Sutton was speaking at The Sportsman’s Perfect 10 promotional event this week.