Reborn Aberdeen star earns Thelin acclaim as forgotten men come alive in new Dons era

Jimmy Thelin feels Shayden Morris has the power and pace to explode into action in his new-look Aberdeen team.

The winger got a standing ovation as he came off in the convincing 6-0 Premier Sports Cup win over Dumbarton. It came just after he had been subbed at half-time against Airdrie. His manager had insisted that it was down to the fact he had been running on empty. The Englishman is now in his third season at Aberdeen and he has struggled to make himself a first-team regular. Last season interim boss Neil Warnock claimed he took him out of the firing line after a nightmare against Motherwell. Thelin has come in and given him confidence and believes he could be tailor-made for the way his side wants to attack.

The Swedish boss stated: “The Airdrie game he was a little empty in the tank. He was quite tired. When we pressed we weren’t as good as a team. It is a team and everybody has to be connected. I feel he has the power and is a real explosive player. He played Saturday and Tuesday and maybe it was a bit early. On Saturday, he was good between the lines and one on one. t was a much better performance from him and we are starting to see that.”

Morris is having a revival, like Pape Habib Gueye and Vincente Besuijen, under Thelin. He vowed to wipe the slate clean and the 22-year-old is taking full advantage. Thelin claimed: “I told everyone it is a new season and it was a new opportunity for everyone. “I had open eyes. What has happened in history is history and we need to look forward. He has to take his chance and work hard in the training sessions. That is the only way. He has made big improvements and I am happy with that.”

Aberdeen now have a clear week to prepare for their Premiership opener against St Johnstone