Aberdeen boss Jim Goodwin has praised in-demand striker Bojan Miovski’s courage in scoring the winning penalty against Dundee United.
Miovski is reportedly a £4 million January transfer target for French top-flight club Stade de Reims.
The striker cost Aberdeen £535,000 from Hungarian club MTK Budapest in the summer and is contracted until summer 2026.
Goodwin is in no rush to sell his leading goalscorer, who he views as fundamental to the bid to finish third and secure cup success.
North Macedonian international Miovski netted a first half spot kick in the 1-0 defeat of Dundee United on Saturday.
It was a victory which ensured Aberdeen went into the five-week winter break sitting third in the Premiership.
Miovski stepping up
Miovski, 23, had missed a penalty in the 2-1 loss at Livingston just days earlier.
The summer signing also had a spot-kick saved in the 4-1 defeat of Hibs in the previous match.
Miovski was given a reprieve against Hibs when VAR ordered a retake, and the striker converted at the second attempt.
In the build-up to the Dundee United game, Goodwin confirmed he was sticking with Miovski as the Dons’ penalty taker.
However, the Reds boss admitted, if Miovski missed his next pen, he may have had a “change of heart” as to who took the spot-kicks.
Goodwin said: “Bojan showed great courage and character to step up after his last couple of penalties.
“I’m delighted with the way he despatched that.”
‘It was one of their quieter nights’
Miovski teamed up with strike partner Luis “Duk” Lopes on a counter-attack in the build up to the penalty against Dundee United.
The 23-year-old broke upfield before sliding a defence-splitting pass to Duk who was then brought down by the keeper.
Miovski is now the Premiership’s joint top scorer on 11 goals with Rangers player Antonio Colak.
Goodwin said: “It was really good link-up play between Bojan and Duk, who got a great touch on the ball before the keeper wiped him out.
“However, I thought it was one of their quieter nights.
“The last week has been particularly demanding for both of those two in particular.
“They looked a little bit tired and lethargic at times, albeit it was a fantastic counter-attack that led to the penalty.”
Miovski misses Atlanta trip due to international duty
Aberdeen have jetted out to the United States for a week-long training camp in Atlanta.
The Dons will play an Atlanta United XI in a friendly on Wednesday (8pm UK time).
Miovski did not travel with the Dons squad to the States as he is on international duty.
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The striker will meet up with the North Macedonian squad for home friendlies against Finland (Thursday) and Azerbaijan (Sunday).
Goodwin said: “We are looking forward to the week in Atlanta.
“We are going over there to see our partner team Atlanta United and it will be great to see how they do things.”
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