Dean Campbell hopes he can build on his breakthrough season at Pittodrie when Scottish football returns next month.
The 19-year-old became the youngest ever Aberdeen player when he came on as a substitute against Celtic on 12 May 2017 aged 16 years, one month and 23 days.
He went on to make 11 appearances the following season but it was last term when Campbell was given an extended opportunity in the first team.
His starting prospects increased when fellow midfielders Craig Bryson and Funso Ojo suffered long-term injuries and Campbell proved he ready to step up to the plate with some assured displays.
He made 26 appearances last season and Campbell hopes he can play himself into a regular starting slot in Derek McInnes’ side during the 2020-21 campaign.
Campbell, who the club’s young player of the year last season, said: “It was a breakthrough season for me.
“I played 26 games and that was really big for me. I wanted to establish myself in the team and contribute more in terms of performances.
“I felt I did that and managed to feel more confident in the team and like I belonged here.
“I was happy with how the season we went.
“Obviously we could have done better as a team, but we are looking to turn that around this year and make strides going forward.
“I need to keep getting the experiences and learn from my mistakes.
“I want to keep getting opportunities on the pitch and you earn that through your performances in training and with hard work.”
Campbell, a Dons fan who followed the team home and away as a youngster, would love nothing more than to add some silverware to the Dons trophy cabinet this term.
He said: “We have got a great group of boys at a great standard. That is the aim.
“We have still got the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup first and we will look to go and win that.
“Then we will give it our all in the competitions next season to bring a trophy back to the club.
“We have definitely got the players to go and have a really good season.
“It is up to us to be consistent in our performances and put in the effort to take us far.”
The Dons played a bounce game against Ross County at Cormack Park on Saturday as they stepped up their preparations ahead of their season-opener against Rangers at Pittodrie on August 1.
It will be Aberdeen’s first competitive fixture since defeating Hibernian 3-1 on March 7.
Campbell coped with the challenge of training by himself during lockdown but is loving being back amongst his teammates every day.
He said: “It was fine (during lockdown). I’m an only child so I’m used to my own company.
“I just kept myself as fit as possible.
“I stay near to Balgownie so I went there to train to keep myself ready for coming back in.
“I feel as fit as I have been so I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running.
“Training has been really good. It was strange in the first few weeks as we weren’t allowed near anyone.
“We were working in twos but you were separate from one another and just doing ball work.
“Since we have got back into contact, the training has been great.
“It’s good to get back to what we love doing and the standard has been really good too.
“We will be ready for the first games when they come up.”