Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has praised new signing James Maddison’s commitment to the club before he has even kicked a ball.
Norwich City attacking midfielder Maddison joined the Dons on loan from the English Championship club in a deadline day move until January.
The 19-year-old turned down other options to stay in England in favour of playing in Scotland, much to the delight of the Aberdeen manager.
McInnes said: “James is coming to play with some very good players which he recognises. He recognises the demands of the club but all that was a big attraction for him.
“There were a lot of clubs interested in him because he is a good player but when we spoke to his agent and to James and it was clear they saw Aberdeen as the preferred option which pleases me no end.
“We are really looking forward to getting him up to train with the rest of the lads and getting working with him.”
Despite Maddison’s age McInnes expects his new recruit to make an immediate impact at first team level.
Having broken into the first team at Coventry City at the age of 17 before moving to Carrow Road for £2.5million in February, Maddison arrives at Pittodrie with much expectation but McInnes has backed the midfielder to handle the spotlight which will come with his price tag.
He said: “He is a player who has had a lot expected of him from a young age. He has handled all of that. He got his move to Norwich at a young age and is someone who is very capable, very confident of his own work because he is a good footballer and he back’s himself.
“We are pleased to get him and we have done well to get him. We thank Alex Neil and Norwich for allowing this move to happen.
“He is here until January. We are comfortable with that and so are Norwich. We will see what transpires from there.
“While we have got him we will try to make it as beneficial as possible for all parties. There are a lot of games and a lot to cram in between now and then James is eager to be part of that.”