Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes admits he is taking a gamble on signing attacker David Goodwillie, but has backed his new signing to repay his faith in him with goals.
The 25-year-old has signed a one-year contract with the Dons following his early release by English Championship side Blackburn Rovers.
McInnes knows his new signing has it all to prove following a disappointing three years since leaving Dundee United for £2.8million in 2011, but is confident he will do just that at Pittodrie.
He said: “It is a risk, but every signing is. I have a good feeling about it and believe it will work. If a manager looked at the negatives of every transfer we wouldn’t sign anybody.
“Our supporters get behind players who give their all and there were games last season where we didn’t play at our best but continued to work hard and the crowd responded to that. If David does the same here he will be fine.
“He has it all to do to prove to people but I just want him to come in and play with a smile on his face here.
“For all the problems he has had in the past I’ve always found him good company and I don’t want him subdued and quiet. I want him to be lively and show his personality.”
McInnes has got his man at the second attempt after missing out to Blackpool when he tried to sign Goodwillie on loan in January and insists the former Scotland international’s arrival has been well received at Pittodrie.
He said: “I’ve had texts from the players saying how happy they are to have someone of his ability coming into the club. He will get a lift from coming into a dressing room where he is surrounded by a lot of good players and a team going the right way.
“We didn’t score enough goals at home last season and David has got the capability to help us improve that. But he also has to buy into what we are doing here if he is going to go on and become the player he is capable of being.
“When I played with him I liked him as a person and a player and I felt he was destined to go on to have a top career. When he got his move to Blackburn I thought he would thrive, but for whatever reason it didn’t work for him.
“But playing against Dundee United last year, I was happier when he wasn’t playing as he is a player who can make the difference in a tight game.
“The fact he is only 25 and has a lot of his career ahead of him is good for us, but I’d also suggest he is someone who is fortunate to be coming to a club of this stature.
“Players can tell you what you want to hear at times, but I got the impression David is hungry and wants to do well here. I have a good feeling about the move.”