Brad Lyons is hoping his move to Aberdeen will help him become a regular for Northern Ireland. The midfielder has agreed to switch from Kilmarnock to Pittodrie, with the transfer set to be completed last month. The 29-year-old has earned eight caps for his country and wants to become a more permanent fixture in Michael O’Neill’s squads.
World Cup experience drives ambition
Lyons was part of the Northern Ireland squad that narrowly missed out on World Cup qualification after losing to Italy in the play-offs. He described representing his country as the pinnacle of his career.
“It was massive to play for Northern Ireland; making my debut was the pinnacle of my career,” Lyons said. “It’s something I always wanted to do, so when I started at Windsor Park it fulfilled all my dreams. I want to work hard for Aberdeen to keep going and hopefully get as many caps as possible.”
Reflecting on the Italy game, he added: “It was a huge experience being at the game with Italy. We were unlucky and gave a good account of ourselves. Those experiences drive you at club level; hopefully it stands me in good stead.”
Research and recommendations
The former Coleraine player admitted he did his homework before deciding to move to the Granite City. Working under fellow Northern Irishman Stephen Robinson was a significant factor. He also turned to national boss O’Neill and current Sparta Prague assistant Diarmud O’Carroll, who had previously worked with Robinson at Motherwell and St Mirren, for advice.
“I spoke to my family about it but have to thank Michael O’Neill and Diarmud O’Carroll as well,” Lyons confirmed. “I was on the phone to them asking questions. They spoke to me about the manager and gave him huge compliments. So that helped me with the decision.”
Lyons has also received backing from a former Northern Irish and Aberdeen star.
Aberdeen’s rebuild
Aberdeen are set for another massive rebuild after a disappointing season. They failed to kick on after their Scottish Cup win last summer and had to send out an SOS to bring Robinson from St Mirren to keep them in the Premiership. The new manager has made it clear there were too many project players and it was now about putting a British core in the team with more physicality and power.
Robinson has moved to strengthen the squad by bringing in Lyons and Lewis Mayo from Kilmarnock, Dan Happe from Leyton Orient, and Austrian midfielder Alexander Briedl. A deal will also be completed for midfielder Connor Ronan from Colorado Rapids when the transfer window opens. Aberdeen are also looking to land Toyosi Olusanya on a permanent basis, although they need Houston Dynamo to waive their option year.
Pre-season plans
Lyons and the Aberdeen squad return for pre-season training next week. They will do their early work at Cormack Park before heading to their European training base. It is important that they get up and running quickly as they have a fast start in the Premier Sports Cup.
Aberdeen are in the group stages, which kick off in the middle of next month. The Dons have Brora Rangers, Queen of the South, Queen’s Park, and Kelty Hearts in their group.
Personal goals
Lyons is hoping to get Aberdeen back on the trophy trail. The ex-Blackburn Rovers player, who got married over the summer, said: “I am looking forward to pre-season. I don’t usually, but because it’s a fresh start I can’t wait to get in and meet the boys. It’s important as a team to get that fitness work done, get together as a group and work on the things you need to do for a successful season.
“As an individual, my goal is to bed into the team and secure a starting spot. As a team, we want to win trophies – I know the club is capable of it with the facilities and the fanbase.”
The Dons are still looking to move several of their squad players on.
