New Aberdeen signing Andrew Driver is desperate to repay Derek McInnes for giving him a second chance in Scottish football.
The 27-year-old midfielder joined the Dons until the end of the season yesterday and could make his debut against Motherwell tomorrow.
Driver had been a free agent after being released by MLS side Houston Dynamo last November but convinced McInnes during last week’s training camp in Tenerife he was worth a short term deal until the end of the season. The former Hearts player now has 10 matches to prove he deserves a longer term contract and he is determined to make the most of it.
Driver said: “It is a difficult time to get back in, so I am really grateful to get this opportunity from the manager and the coaching staff.
“I hope I can repay them for taking a chance on me.
“Aberdeen are a massive club and the team has been fantastic this season. The guys look like a top team and I am really enjoying testing myself alongside them.
“As a footballer you want to aim as high as you can and Aberdeen have been doing so well this year.
“There is no guarantee you will play games – you have to work hard to earn your chance.
“I want to learn from the manager. He is one of the managers that players want to play for. That is one of the things you look for as a player and it gives you an incentive to go to a team.”
Driver moved from Hearts to Houston Dynamo in 2013 and believes he has benefited from his time in America.
He said: “Towards the end of my Hearts career I had a lot of injuries and there was a lot happening at the club.
“I have grown up a lot during my time in America and learned a lot about how to look after my body. Last season I didn’t miss a single training session, so I feel in top shape and now I want to kick on.
“I know there are only 10 games left but hopefully I can work hard and by helping the team I can help myself out as well.”
McInnes was pleased to bolster his squad for the Scottish Premiership run in. He said: “I’m delighted to get Andy on board.
“Hopefully he will make the most of this opportunity we’ve given him.
“During his time with us I believe there has been enough to suggest that he can be a good addition to our squad.”