Graeme Shinnie lays down Aberdeen FC law as he enlists Dons deputy to implement fines system and Barry Robson standards

Graeme Shinnie is more than happy to rough people up if it lets Leighton Clarkson sprinkle some magic for Aberdeen.

The Pittodrie captain has been reunited with his creative midfield partner after returning north from Wigan on a permanent basis. The Dons borrowed the duo on loan last season, with both playing a massive part in Barry Robson’s side finishing third to seal guaranteed European group stage football once this campaign gets going.

Shinnie, 31, admits he and Ylber Ramadani are more than happy to do the dirty work so their younger colleague can provide the cutting edge and quality at the top end of the pitch. Clarkson, 21, has made his switch from Liverpool a permanent one as well and Shinnie said: “It is massive because he makes my job a lot easier. He will probably say likewise on the flip side because I will do all the running and give him the ball, then he can do the magic.

“He was an amazing player last year. Leighton has unbelievable talent and can cut defences open. We have seen that with some of the passes he produced. He gives me and Rama the licence to go and press to ruffle them up, particularly with Leighton lying as the one and me and Rama as a two. That allows Leighton to be able to dictate play and do his stuff.”

Shinnie reckons the fact Aberdeen have convinced Clarkson to sign on full-time – on top of luring his former Liverpool team-mate Rhys Williams on loan – shows the Pittodrie side’s growing stature. The skipper added: “It shows where the club are at – to attract a player like that who has done so well.

“When they come up from England and do so well, it can be hard to keep hold of them. English clubs say they think he did well up there so we will have a look at him. For Aberdeen to be able to