Aberdeen midfielder Jonny Hayes is a paid up member of the James Maddison appreciation society after the Norwich City loan player’s impressive display inspired the Dons to a 3-1 victory at Dundee yesterday.
The Reds recovered from an early setback when Kevin Holt gave the hosts the lead after 13 minutes to equalise through Maddison with Maddison capping his first start with a fine goal from 25 yards.
Substitute Jayden Stockley headed the Dons in front three minutes after replacing Adam Rooney before Kenny McLean converted a late penalty against a tiring Dundee who ended the match with 10 men when midfielder Mark O’Hara was sent off for a second booking in added time.
The result moved the Dons up to fourth position in the Scottish Premiership ahead of Thursday’s League Cup quarter-final against St Johnstone and Sunday’s eagerly anticipated visit of Rangers to Pittodrie.
Hayes was particularly impressed by 19-year-old Maddison’s contribution and said: “James adds a great deal to the team. We see him in training all week and he is a level above what I have seen so far in Scottish football.
“He has a great future and we are really fortunate to have him.
“It was a tough match and I was in a tough contest with Cammy Kerr the whole game. He is another great young player with a bright future.
“I thought I was coming off when the manager made the double substitution to bring Jayden Stockley and Wes Burns on and I was walking off applauding our support.
“But I stayed on the pitch and managed to set up our second goal so I’m sure the manager will put that down as a masterstroke from himself.
“It is a massive week for the club and getting the three points from this match was vital as we have had a couple of disappointing draws already this season.
“We played very well in patches so it is a bright start to an important week for the football club.”
Maddison, who joined the Dons on deadline day last month in a loan deal from Norwich until January, was thrilled to score his first goal in Scottish football.
He said: “I really enjoyed that. We worked really hard all week after a disappointing draw with Caley Thistle last Saturday.
“We were delighted to win the match 3-1 in the way we did in front of a big travelling support.
“I was really pleased with the goal. When Shay Logan passed the ball to me, I just felt the best thing to do was a sharp little turn and then try to get a shot away.
“Thankfully it went in and I just ran to celebrate with our supporters.”