Aberdeen midfielder Brad Lyons has been handed a fitness boost after scans confirmed his latest knee injury is not serious, easing concerns ahead of a packed schedule that includes a Premier Sports Cup semi-final with Rangers.
The Northern Irish international came off at half-time against St Mirren after opening the scoring in Aberdeen's 3-1 win. The 29-year-old had already missed several weeks earlier in the season with an injury to the same knee, prompting manager Stephen Robinson and his medical team to send him for precautionary scans.
Positive results and cautious optimism
The results came back positive, though it remains to be seen whether Lyons will be available for Saturday's trip to Dundee United. Aberdeen also face a midweek clash with Falkirk before the Premier Sports Cup semi-final with Rangers.
Lyons said: "I loved it but unfortunately my knee flared up and I just wasn't one hundred percent for the second half. You can't be selfish because there are a lot of quality players raring to go. It's a great squad, even with the players who are left out, we have a lot of great players and unfortunately the manager can only name a starting eleven then however many on the bench."
He added: "But the season is a full squad effort and you need players coming off the bench to get three points. Fingers crossed I'll be ready for Saturday, it was just a precaution one coming off because I felt it a wee bit. I should be fine for the weekend."
First Premiership goal and family moment
The former Kilmarnock player was delighted to open his Premiership account for Aberdeen against St Mirren, having already scored in the Premier Sports Cup against Queen of the South and in a pre-season friendly against Linfield.
"I've always said I need to add more goals to my game - maybe not always like that every week. I wish I could be cocky and say it was in the top five but it was my best, no doubt about that," Lyons said. "My wife (Aishlyn) and wee one (Theo) were in the crowd as well, their second game, so it was nice to give them something to cheer as well."
Win lifts Aberdeen up the table
The victory over St Mirren was significant for Aberdeen, ending their winless home run and moving them up the table to the verge of the top six. Robinson's half-time team talk proved decisive after his side went in level at 1-1, with changes helping secure the 3-1 win.
Speaking to RedTV, Lyons said: "We spoke last week about having a lot of control in the game but not making enough of it. So we wanted to put that right against St Mirren and give the home fans something to cheer about. It was a great three points overall."
"The early goal settled us down, gave the fans a boost and got them right behind us. The rest of the first half we were miles off it, the gaffer gave us a few home truths at half-time, the boys reacted perfectly in the second half and I feel we deserved to win. Winning breeds confidence, there's a lot more to our performance to come because we can play a lot better. But three goals and three points gives us plenty of confidence going to Dundee United."
