Attacker Jayden Stockley hopes his opening goal of 2017 is the first of many as he tries to secure a starting role for the Dons.
The former Bournemouth forward came off the bench to score the opening goal and set up fellow-substitute Ryan Christie for the second in the Dons’ 2-0 Premiership win against Partick Thistle at Pittodrie.
It has been a frustrating spell for the Englishman, who has found himself out of the team with manager Derek McInnes naming the same line-up for seven games in a row, but he hopes his goal and assist can lead to a change of fortune.
He said: “It was good for me to get on and score and Ryan did well when he came on too. The players were quite tired after the Celtic game and we had to dig deep, but I’m just happy to get on and score as I’m desperate to succeed here.
“I’m confident whenever I go on and a man my size has to ruffle a few feathers, so I’m happy to score and provide an assist. Going to a new club, it’s important for a player to make an impact quickly and we can see the quality Ryan has in training.
“It has been tough and that’s where mental strength comes into play. The team has been on fire recently so as frustrating as it is not to be playing, I couldn’t expect the manager to make changes.
“I haven’t regretted anything. I’m really happy I came to this club and I still believe I’ll be a success here. I’m looking forward to the time I’ve got. When I have got a goal I’ve hoped it would be the start of a run, but it hasn’t happened. Hopefully this can be the start of a run for me.”
The win took the Dons into second place in the Scottish Premiership on goal difference and Stockley believes his side can open a gap on Rangers.
He said: “We wanted to challenge Celtic more this season and play in cup finals. Celtic have pulled clear which is disappointing but we reached the League Cup final although it didn’t turn out how we wanted it to. I’m still convinced this squad is capable of really good things.
“There is confidence in the squad that we can finish second and reach another cup final and I believe we have the quality to do it.”