Four goals, including his first career hat-trick, and an assist represents an excellent week’s work for Ryan Hedges.
The Wales international has made the most of his chances at Aberdeen in the last seven days, coming off the bench to score the game winning goal at St Johnstone, setting up Scott Wright for what proved to be the winner against Livingston on Sunday and then adding a treble against NSi Runavik in another 45-minute cameo appearance from the bench in the Europa League two nights ago.
For a player who struggled to hold down a regular place in Derek McInnes’ side last season Hedges has clearly returned for the new campaign with a point to prove and no wonder he is smiling right now.
He said: “It hasn’t been a bad few games. It is good to be in amongst the goals because that is what I have been brought here to do.
“I just need to keep chipping in with the goals. Hopefully I will keep progressing and as a team we will keep moving forward.
“I need consistency. I am looking to keep my place in the team, performing every week and bringing goals and assists. It is up to me to do that.
“The strength and depth is second to none. We are strong in all areas. You know if you are not doing your job that somebody can come in and do your job just as well or even better.”
Hedges was justifiably happy with his contribution in the 6-0 demolition of Faroese minnows Runavik at Pittodrie on Thursday with his first senior treble coming from the penalty spot three minutes from time.
He is not the penalty taker at Pittodrie but there was little chance of him passing up his opportunity.
He said: “It is my first career hat-trick. I am delighted and it is good to get the hat-trick but the most important thing was getting through to the second qualifying round.
“I’m not the designated penalty taker but Sam Cosgrove and Curtis Main weren’t on the pitch and Lewis Ferguson took the last one and took it really well.
“I just wanted to take it for the opportunity to get my hat-trick. I wouldn’t say he gladly stepped aside but Lewis did and fair play to him for doing that.
“But if we get one on Sunday I would think he would be on them again.”
Hedges’ prominent role in three wins in a week has been significant and the Wales international is keen to make it four-in-a-row when the Dons face Hibernian at Easter Road tomorrow.
He said: “We are looking to build on the wins we have had. We are looking to go into the international break with nine points, by putting ourselves in a good position in the league.
“The way His have started has been very good. They have played a few more games than us but there is no reason why we should go there and fear them.
“They are a good team but so are we and there is no reason why we can’t go there and get three points.”
One of the biggest threats to Aberdeen’s hopes of another three points is Hibees striker Christian Doidge.
Hedges and Doidge both harbour international ambitions with the Welsh national team and the Dons attacker knows Doidge will need to watched carefully tomorrow.
He said: “Maybe the Welsh FA are not looking up here at the moment.
“He is scoring goals and he is one of the people we have to look at because he is a threat. Fingers crossed we can keep him quiet on Sunday.”