MacKay-Steven fits Aberdeen identity -McInnes

Derek McInnes feels he has given Aberdeen fans the direct winger they craved after signing Gary Mackay-Steven.

Mackay-Steven has arrived on a two-year deal from Celtic and could make his debut in tonight's Europa League opener against Siroki Brijeg at Pittodrie.

The Dons lost Jonny Hayes, Peter Pawlett and Niall McGinn in the summer but McInnes has added Ryan Christie, Greg Stewart and now Mackay-Steven to his creative options.

The Aberdeen boss told his club's official website: “As I have spoken about often enough there is a real need to have that natural wide player and ball carrier. There is a need to have someone who can go past people.

“We have had the benefit and the luxury of having Jonny and Niall here for the last number of years. Both players brought a high level and consistent level of performance. To try and get like for like is always difficult but I think what Gary has got in his favour is that confidence, that ability to go past people, the ability to play both sides as well - he can play on the left and the right.

“We have different types of players who can play in the wider areas and do their work in between the lines but we feel Gary being a ball carrier is a big asset.

“I think the Aberdeen fans have been used to having that type of player. I think at home especially when teams come and sit in against us, we need that piece of individual brilliance at times and I think Gary is that type of player.

“Both Niall and Jonny were hugely influential and we hope Gary can be something similar. I really believe he can be.

“We hope Scott Wright will also provide us with that this season. It is important we give Scott the chance to grow this season as well as Gary.

“We have now got two exciting, attacking wide players. We have that real attacking threat in the wider areas. It is something which has been a bit of an identity of ours as a club. It is something we wanted to try and keep.'

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