Lawrence Shankland is hoping for more first team opportunities next season after helping the Aberdeen under-20s to the SPFL Development League title.
The 19-year-old forward netted his 31st goal of the season in last night’s 3-1 victory against Dunfermline Athletic at Pittodrie.
Paul Sheerin’s side were presented with the league title after the match, played in front of a noisy, 1,854-strong crowd. The young Dons were confirmed as champions last Thursday following Celtic’s failure to beat Falkirk. It is the first time the Dons have won a reserve league title since 1987.
Shankland, who has made 14 appearances for the first team this season, said: “I have had a taste of playing in the first team and it has been excellent to be involved.
“I am looking to push on and hopefully be more involved next season.
“It has been a really good season for me in the under-20s. It is my job to score goals and, thankfully, I have managed to get 31 which is a good achievement.
“I couldn’t have done it without the players and all their efforts to make assists.
“It has been a brilliant season for the team and a really good squad effort. It was reflected by the crowd.
“It was brilliant to see so many people out to watch the team.”
Club captain Russell Anderson, Clark Robertson, Nicky Low, Cammy Smith and Shankland all started for the young Dons against the Pars with Low on target early.
The lead did not last for long with the Pars drawing level eight minutes later when James Thomas tapped home from a Ryan Williamson pass. But Shankland made it 2-1 before Scott Wright put the result beyond doubt three minutes from time.