Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes is delighted with the storming start Simon Church has made to his loan with the Dons.
The Wales international has strengthened his case for being included in Chris Coleman’s squad for this summer’s European Championships with three goals in five appearances since joining from Championship club MK Dons.
Church scored in Wednesday’s 1-0 victory against bottom of the league Dundee United at Tannadice to help the Dons close the gap on Celtic at the top to four points.
His speedy transition to life at Pittodrie has been timely for the Dons with leading-scorer Adam Rooney facing a lengthy lay-off with a thigh injury.
McInnes said: “When we signed Simon we wanted another goal threat to add to Adam Rooney. The over-reliance on Adam at times was something we were not totally comfortable with.
“We knew we had to get more players contributing goals so we brought Simon in. Both have similarities, Adam is probably a bit more robust and Simon is a bit more of a mover, but both of them live within the width of the goals.
“He could have scored another couple against Dundee United but he was in the right place at the right time to get the winning goal.
“With Adam out the emphasis is on Simon to keep doing what he’s doing, but with three goals in five games, if he can keep that up he’ll be doing all right.”
Midfielder Barry Robson, making his first start of the season, also impressed in Wednesday’s hard-fought win at Tannadice.
The 37-year-old had made only six substitute appearances before being a surprise inclusion to take on his former side United.
But McInnes felt the 17-times capped Scotland international used all his experience to help the Dons dominate the midfield.
The Aberdeen manager said: “I knew Barry wouldn’t let me down. Some games are made for his experience and strength.
“We knew there would be a lot to contest and we had to make sure we came out on top and then get the ball out to the wider areas to our players with pace.
“Barry should be proud of himself as he trains so hard and it is not always easy to leave someone like him out of the team.
“It wasn’t so long ago that I was that age myself. I knocked my pan in every day just to keep up.
“He got his reward as he trains right every day and he is so committed.
“He is always ready when needed and I needed him against Dundee United.”