Aberdeen boss Jim Goodwin ponders Liam Scales-Celtic dilemma as loan star shows importance

Aberdeen did not want to be participating in the Premier Sports group stage. It is the first time since League Cup reconstruction that they have experienced it due to European commitments.

Yet, there have been plenty of positives to take. New signings have been able to integrate and get competitive minutes, while others appear refreshed and ready for the league campaign.

Three comfortable wins against part-time sides has helped build confidence within the squad, but also amongst fans and their relationship with the team. Something which soured a bit last season as the team finished tenth.

There was a verve about the Dons in their 5-0 win over Stirling Albion on Tuesday and with more than a week to go until the Premiership season begins at Celtic, supporters have snapped up the full allocation for a trip to Glasgow’s east end.

However, they will go there knowing Liam Scales, arguably the most impressive newcomer, won’t be available due to the condition of his loan from the Scottish champions. An issue which has and continues to irk the Dons support.

Goodwin experimented in the second-half of the win over Stirling, suggesting how he plans to respond to the Scales dilemma.

"You can see what we tried in the second half on the hour mark,” he said. “We moved Ross McCrorie to centre-back to see how himself and Anthony Stewart looked together.

"Ross played a hell of a lot of football at centre-back last year and was very, very good at it. I like him in the middle of the pitch personally because of his energy levels and determination and willingness to get the ball back. That might be an option.

"We've also got David Bates who is available and can play there. And young Jack Milne can play there."

He added: “It is disappointing