Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes believes midfielder Craig Storie has the talent and determination to become a first team regular at Pittodrie.
The 20-year-old, who has made six appearances this term, signed a two-year contract extension yesterday.
Storie turned down the advances of Manchester United to sign for the Dons during his teenage years and McInnes is pleased the midfielder still believes Pittodrie is the right place for him.
He said: “When Craig was younger, he came through all of the Scotland groups and there were a lot of teams looking at him.
“Manchester United’s interest was well documented, but he decided to come here and seen this as the place for him to develop.
“What he has to do is take the confidence from playing in the first team over the last few weeks and really drive home his performances.
“I think he is capable of doing a bit of everything.
“I don’t like the term sitting midfielders or attacking midfielders, I like my players to get around the pitch. He can go from box to box, he has got good technical skills and he can get back if he needs to.
“He’s good in the air, he’s a good competitor and has a good range of passing, so I think he has everything.
“He is aware of the challenge ahead of him to get into the team and be a regular. He has the attributes to give him the chance to do that.”
Storie made his debut in a 1-0 win against Kilmarnock in April 2013, which was McInnes’ first victory as Dons manager.
Injuries to Ryan Jack and Willo Flood have given Storie the opportunity to show what he can do in recent weeks but McInnes believes the midfielder would have played far more games in recent years had he not been dogged by injuries.
He said: “Craig is someone I liked as a player instantly when I first came in. I gave him a debut and he hasn’t really managed to kick on from that for a few reasons, but he’s certainly hoping to kick on now.
“He has been unlucky with injuries. He had a lot of contact injuries with the way he plays. Ankles, back, a hamstring and groin problem. It was a combination. For any young player when they get injured, it is important they keep a focus and concentration on the job.
“He had a run of injuries which didn’t give him an opportunity to compete.
“I think a combination of staying injury-free and having real focus to his game is paying dividends for him.
“There wasn’t any panic on the new contract. I have been speaking to him over the past few weeks and he’s one we always thought had a part to play here and an opportunity if he stayed fit.
“I am delighted to get it done and there is more to come from him.”