Connor Barron sets Aberdeen target as fit-again ace responds to contract query

Connor Barron is desperate to make up for lost time to injury by helping Aberdeen prove they’re in rude health.

And he knows booking a trip to Hampden on Wednesday would be the perfect start. The midfielder made his long-awaited return to the starting line-up after a three-month lay-off in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Hearts that hoisted the Dons into fourth place.

Next up is a Premier Sports Cup quarter final against Partick Thistle at Pittodrie and Barron is determined to hand the Red Army a day out at the national stadium. The 20-year-old was one of the few shining lights in the north east last season as Aberdeen slumped to a 10th place finish and failed to get beyond the last 16 of both national cup competitions. But after a summer overhaul there’s a fresh vigour about the Dons and Barron - who is in talks over a new deal - is eager to be right at the heart of the revival after overcoming his knee injury.

The Scotland U21 star said: “It’s been a long 12 weeks. I’m just delighted to be back out there.

“It wasn’t the greatest of games against Hearts on the ball but it was one you really had to dig deep, win your battles in the middle and we did that. The injury came at a bad time, the start of the season in a friendly against Buckie, It’s a hard one to take but it’s part and parcel of football.

“I had a little niggle before on my knee so I knew what to expect. I tried to force myself back a bit too early and it didn’t work out so I had to make sure I came back stronger.

“Ninety minutes against Hearts is just going to benefit me. I want to play every game for this club, put in good performances for the team and help them win football matches.

“That’s the aim and take it week by week and win games of football. It’s a