Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie insists he will let his performances show his commitment to the cause as he mulls over a new contract offer from the club.
The Dons skipper, who is out of contract in the summer, scored both goals in his side’s 2-0 win at St Johnstone on Saturday and manager Derek McInnes reiterated his hope the midfielder will put pen to paper on a new deal.
The Dons midfielder said: “I’m the captain of this club and I love leading this team. Days like this today, I like leading the team and when you’ve won 2-0 and you’ve helped the team it’s always satisfying. It’s never going to be an easy decision and that’s why I’m taking my time.
“I have a lot to take in but my commitment will always be there and I’ll always give 100% to this club.”
Shinnie, who is revered by the club’s supporters, knows he has a huge decision to make but is determined to take his time and has pleaded for patience from the Red Army.
He said: “Give it time. I’m at an age where this is a massive decision for me and I’m not going to rush into it but games like this show my commitment to the team and my mind is never away from it. I’m always focused but words are not what will show it, it is performances.
“I always know how much of a good bond I have with the fans here and it would never be an easy decision. I’ve always said that.”
Dons boss Derek McInnes has not put a deadline on Shinnie to make a decision and the midfielder is grateful for his manager’s understanding while he ponders his future.
He said: “We’ve got a relationship, we’re in constant communication, which is vital. He has never put pressure on me.”
Meanwhile, Aberdeen’s defensive injury woes deepened at the weekend with the news full back Shay Logan’s season could be over.
The right back limped off in his side’s Scottish Cup win against Queen of the South earlier this month with an ankle injury and has been told he will need surgery.
The news comes a week after Tommie Hoban suffered a season-ending cruciate ligament injury and Dons boss Derek McInnes is considering bringing in a replacement.
He said: “It will be touch and go if we can get him back before the end of the season. We will look to maybe try to bring in another defender on the out of contract list.
“We were hoping we might be able to him manage him through to the end of the season but on Thursday afternoon it became clear he needed some work done.”