Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes was delighted to see deadline day signing Simon Church make an immediate impact in Scottish football.
The Welsh international scored the decisive goal in Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic to cut the gap at the top to three points.
Church, capped 33 times by his country, has joined Aberdeen on loan from MK Dons for the remainder of the season.
He made the most of a starting place against the Hoops by turning home a Kenny McLean header from close range to double Aberdeen’s lead just before half-time.
McInnes was pleased with the 27-year-old’s contribution.
He said: “Simon was bright and sharp. He gets between the sticks which pleases me and scored a scruffy goal.
“It was a brilliant atmosphere and he will have been pleased to score on his debut.
“It is not like this every week and he will soon find that out.
“He contributed to a strong performance to help us get the three points.
“Like Adam Rooney, he comes alive in the penalty area. If we can get good enough service into him he will more than prove his worth.”
Wednesday’s win was the first time the Dons had completed a Pittodrie double against Celtic since the 1990-91 campaign.
But McInnes says Ronny Deila’s Hoops remain firm favourites to win the title for a fifth consecutive time.
He added: “They are three points ahead of us and they have far better goal difference. That is as good as another point.
“They have got the squad and the level of player that is capable of winning things and should be winning things.
“The Celtic team has got a lot of talent. But I also believe my team has got that. They may have 50-odd players but they can only play 11 at any given time.
“My 11 were ready on Wednesday and hopefully my 11 will be ready for St Johnstone on Saturday.”