Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes believes Andrew Considine’s recent displays proved the defender fully merited his contract extension.
The 27-year-old, who is in his testimonial year, signed a two and a half year contract in December which will keep him at Pittodrie until 2017.
Considine, whose preferred position is in the centre of defence, has been used as a left back for the majority of the season.
Caley Thistle captain Graeme Shinnie, a natural left back, has signed a pre-contract agreement with the Dons and will move from the Highlands to Aberdeen in the summer. But manager McInnes reckons Considine’s recent performances have been faultless.
The defender also displayed his ability to help out his side’s attack by netting the opening goal in the 3-0 win at Hamilton Accies on Sunday and had another effort disallowed for a foul.
McInnes said: “Andy has been great for me since I came in the door. He has adjusted to playing left back for us and has been excellent.
“I need to have good trust in my defenders and I feel I have that with Andy. Over the period of time I have been at the club he has been very consistent with his level of performance.
“He is very good in one against one situations, no matter which opponent he is up against.
“He will normally get the better of them all across the pitch, but certainly in defence.
“His presence is great in both boxes and he showed his fitness levels by getting up and down the pitch on Sunday.
“We are demanding of our full backs to get up and down the pitch and Andy certainly does.
“He has been terrific and that is why we gave him a new deal. We want him to be with us.”
The Dons can move level on points with leaders Celtic when they face Scottish Premiership strugglers St Mirren on Saturday.
The Hoops take on Hamilton Accies the following day but McInnes says his players are only focused on extending their unbeaten run to 13 matches against the Buddies.
The Aberdeen manager added: “It is just important to win the three points on Saturday. We are not looking ahead, we are just looking to Saturday and hopefully we can win another game and try to keep the unbeaten run and the momentum going.”