Duk handed Aberdeen FC show of faith by Barry Robson as 'different scenario' facing struggling star named

Barry Robson has insisted Aberdeen are sticking by Duk because it is only a matter of time before he starts firing.

The talismanic frontman was key in the Dons sealing third and Europa Conference group stage football. The former Benfica youngster has become an integral part of Aberdeen’s success although this season he has failed to rediscover his form and hasn’t scored in his last 15 games. Duk, who netted 18 goals last season, was left on the bench for Thursday’s hard-fought 2-1 loss in Eintracht Frankfurt.

“He is a terrific talent,” Robson insisted. “We could be in a whole different scenario now if a few of those chances went in for Duk. There are games we could have won and we would have been sitting in a different position in the league. We all know that. We stick with Duk as he is a terrific boy, a terrific player and an Aberdeen player. The fans love him. We believe in him and he will score goals for us.”

Robson praised his team for coming so close in Germany and is well aware that they now need to turn performances into points, starting with Ross County at home tomorrow. He confidently claimed: “We have shown we are performing well in Europe at the minute, but we need to perform well in the league.

“That is where our focus is now. I’m actually looking forward to us playing at the weekend now because I feel that is us ready to kick on and get after teams in the league.

“We have not performed to our best over the last three or four weeks in the league. We know that but hopefully we can start motoring now.

“We need to start performing and get a win on Sunday and hopefully we can. We know Ross County is going to be difficult but we really need to get going in the league. We have good players in there and we