After almost five months watching on from the sidelines, Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes believes Jamie Langfield more than merited his return to the first team.
The 35-year-old made his first appearance since October’s 3-0 defeat by Hamilton during Friday’s 2-1 win against Motherwell.
Scott Brown, who had kept 15 clean sheets in 21 games for the Dons this term, was dropped to the bench after the 4-0 loss at Celtic this month.
Langfield could do little to prevent Scott McDonald netting Friday’s opening goal with a close-range strike before a George Long own goal and Adam Rooney’s 24th of the season gave the Dons victory.
McInnes felt it was the right time for Langfield to be reinstated.
He said: “It was similar to when Jamie went out of the team. He hadn’t been really poor or guilty of losing many goals or anything like that but it was just a gut feeling to make a change.
“Having watched Jamie over the last while, including when he played for the under-20s during the week, I felt the decision to change was the right thing to do.
“Scott has been doing fine but having watched both goalkeepers closely over the last while it was the right decision.
“We have two good goalkeepers who I think can provide good competition, as I have got in every other area of the pitch.”
Aberdeen’s win against Motherwell cut the gap on leaders Celtic to three points, although Ronny Deila’s Hoops have a game in hand.
The Dons also have a firm grip on second spot with a seven-point cushion over third-placed Caley Thistle and McInnes is confident his side can finish strongly in the closing stretch.
He added: “We are into a 10-game season and we will try to win as many of them as possible.
“From the last 15 league games we have lost one, drawn two and won 12. That is brilliant consistency.
“If we get anywhere near that in the last 10 games then we will be pleased with our work this season.
“We are just determined to finish the season as strongly as possible.
“The next game, Dundee away, will be another challenge. They are going for the top six and they have been tough opponents for us in the past.
“It is just about trying to win another three points and chalk another win off.
“I am confident the squad can keep winning games.”