Time will tell if David Goodwillie is to extend his stay at Aberdeen, but the 25-year-old gives the impression of a player content with life at Pittodrie.
That perhaps is no surprise given the difficulties he endured
after a dream move from Dundee United to Blackburn Rovers turned sour.
Unable to hold down a regular place at Ewood, the Scotland international was loaned to Crystal
Palace, former club United and then to Blackpool before
signing for the Dons on a free transfer in the summer.
A mere three goals in 19 games is an unfair reflection on how much Goodwillie has contributed to the Aberdeen cause this season.
With nine assists, he is the Dons’ most creative player alongside Niall McGinn. The forward’s contract expires in the summer and Goodwillie is keen to extend
his deal at Pittodrie.
He said: “It’s been on my mind but the manager wants me to concentrate on the next game and the contract situation will take care of itself. I just come in every day and do my job and focus on what’s going to happen on a Saturday,that’s the most important thing for all of us.
“It’s good to come into a team that’s doing really well and feel you’re part of something special. It’s nice to be settled with a club rather than being on the move all the time with loans to other clubs.
“It’s good to know I’ll be here for a while.”
Dons manager Derek McInnes and his assistant Tony Docherty have worked hard to help Goodwillie regain confidence.
Now the thrice-capped Scotland international, who will lead
the line for the Dons against Kilmarnock this afternoon, believes he is getting back to his best.
“I think I’m now up to match sharpness,” said Goodwillie. “I
was lacking that at the start of the season but now I’m enjoying my football more. I’m getting on the ball more often, so hopefully the goals will come. My overall play has been great but I do need to score more goals. That’s what I’m here to do.
“I’ve learned more about the game in the years I was away
from Scotland. Maybe I didn’t play as much as I wanted but I took things in, learned, adapted my game and now I just try to do my best.
“It was difficult not being able to play as often as I wanted. I had to take everything I did in training into a game when I had the chance – that’s what I’ve tried to do here.
“Before I was maybe a wee bit lazy but now I feel I’m a better allround player who helps the
team out more.”