Why Jim Goodwin can get the best out of Aberdeen star Matty Kennedy - and why winger is claiming the goal

Prior to Matty Kennedy's arrival to the Aberdeen press room in the bowels of Pittodrie there was an element of confusion as to who should be credited with the Dons’ equalising goal in the 1-1 draw with Dundee United.

Many of the press pack had assumed the winger was the scorer but some outlets had given it to United defender Ryan Edwards.

Kennedy hadn’t even taken his seat when he squashed any idea of it being an own goal. He said his attempt after Vicente Besuijen’s shot had been saved by Benjamin Siegrist was going in therefore he was “taking it”.

It was the 27-year-old’s first goal in over a year. January 2021’s 2-1 defeat to Rangers to be precise. Good luck to anyone trying to take it off him.

The strike is just his third for the club since moving from St Johnstone. The Northern Irishman is yet to come alive in a red shirt but the footballing gods may well have presented him with the ideal manager to get the best out of him.

If not for a back injury in the summer, Kennedy may well have been wearing the black and white stripes of St Mirren. New Dons boss Jim Goodwin was keen to take the winger to Paisley.

The player's positive impression in training after recovering from the injury ensured former boss Stephen Glass and the club didn't allow him to leave in January. Now Goodwin has the man he wanted a number of months ago.

"He’s been brilliant,” Kennedy said. “I had a meeting with him during the week and he said what he wants from me. He said ‘I know it is going to take me a while to get you fit but just keep working hard and the fitness will come’.

"My legs blew up in the second half but it’s another game under my belt.

“When the manager thinks highly of you it gives you confidence to play to your best ability and