Aberdeen Ace Niall McGinn Turns On The Style To Break Hearts

Derek McInnes insisted no-one should be surprised by Niall McGinn's dazzling display against Hearts after the Aberdeen talisman inspired a 3-1 win at Tynecastle.

The 28-year-old tormented the home side with his pace and trickery, capping his performance with a stunning solo goal as he surged past Blazej Augustyn and Callum Paterson before curling a fine shot into the top corner.

The Northern Ireland international also claimed both assists for two-goal hero David Goodwillie as the Dons cemented their place at the summit of the Ladbrokes Premiership with their eighth league win on the bounce.

The Dons led by three goals at the break, and although Igor Rossi hit back for the hosts in the second half, a full-scale fightback was never on the cards.

McInnes admits he has come to expect heroics from McGinn.

He said: We shouldn't be surprised by Niall's performance. He has been a consistently high performer ever since I came into this job.

He contributes so many assists for us - I think he had the most in the league last year - and, if he gets opportunities, he has the quality to finish in front of goal.

I had a good view of his goal at the time and to find the far corner from that angle was excellent.''

McInnes agonised over who should lead the line for the Dons before plumping for Goodwillie, who had failed to find the net in 11 prior games.

The decision was vindicated by the Scotland striker's double, and McInnes believes that will be a weight off his shoulders.

The Dons boss said: We thought long and hard about Goodwillie. We thought he was more suited to playing in that sort of game, against their centre-halves.

His contribution to the team was outstanding. He took kicks and treatment up there, but he fought his corner and he should be delighted.

No matter how many times I tell him he is playing his part - and he has been - a striker needs goals. They don't feel great unless they've scored. Hopefully he is feeling good about himself.''

Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson believes his team's disappointing run of form will serve as an education.

Hopes were high for the season ahead after the Jambos marked their return to the top-flight with five consecutive victories.

However, Neilson reckons three league defeats in a row will provide a sense of perspective, given the capital club were playing in the second tier last term.

He said: We switched off three times and lost the game. End of story.

I think this (run) is a learning curve for us all: players, staff and fans. When you win the first five games, people think, 'We'll do this, we'll do that'.

But we are a Championship team that got promoted. Eighteen months ago we were wondering if we were going to go out of business.

The players need to learn to handle playing in big games with big expectations again. We still have a long way to go.''