Aberdeen midfielder Dylan McGeouch is aiming to carry on where he left off after getting closer to the form he is capable of before the coronavirus pandemic stopped football in its tracks.
McGeouch, who moved to the Dons from Sunderland, has shown in glimpses why boss Derek McInnes tried to sign him twice before finally succeeding at the third time of asking in January.
But the former Celtic and Hibernian midfielder’s progress was halted due to the lockdown put in place and he is focused on producing the displays he was known for on a consistent basis when he returns.
He said: ““The first few games it was just a case of trying to get through them and to build up the fitness which is hard because you need to be at a certain level for the performances and results as well.
“Once I got through that six week period I would probably say the Hibs game was my best for Aberdeen. Hopefully, that is the level I can maintain and if not go even better.”
McGeouch’s form for Hibs earned him international football experience with Scotland in the last couple of years and he hopes he can catch national team boss Steve Clarke’s eye by playing a starring role with the Dons.
He said: “The national team was mentioned when I signed for Aberdeen but my priority was getting myself back to where I should be and what I am capable of, when I was playing for Hibs and getting into the national team.
“I think I need to focus on my club level and getting to the standard I know I can achieve.
“If I can then I can be successful, we can be successful as a club and if that takes me into the national team that would be great.”
McGeouch’s displays for Hibs earned him a move to English League One side Sunderland. The move coincided with him becoming part of the second series of documentary Sunderland Til I Die which followed his former club on its unsuccessful bid to win promotion back to the Championship.
It is an experience he will not forget now it has been recorded.
McGeouch said: “It was disappointing that we never got what we wanted at the end of the season.
“There are cameras there taping every training session and game so if it is not going well it is no good but if it is going well then it is amazing. It is just the highs and lows of football and it is good television for the punters.
“As a player, it wasn’t too bad but not to get what we wanted at the end of the season was tough to watch again on television.”