Aberdeen defender Ryan McLaughlin says it was former Scotland captain Gary McAllister who sold him on a loan move to Pittodrie.
The Northern Ireland international made his debut for the Dons in Tuesday’s 1-0 win against Hamilton Accies, which stretched the Dons’ lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to five points.
McLaughlin, who is on loan from Liverpool until January, said it was Anfield first-team coach McAllister who encouraged him to get some experience north of the border.
The 20-year-old then spoke to Liverpool teammate Danny Ward, also on loan at Pittodrie, and international team-mate Niall McGinn before deciding Aberdeen was the right move for him.
He said: “I’ve been told a lot about the Scottish Premiership from Gary McAllister at Liverpool and he speaks very highly of it. Liverpool were very happy for me to go to Aberdeen and play in the top tier.
“Danny Ward has done well here and he’s been saying great things about it. The Scottish Premiership is big in Northern Ireland as well and it’s watched on television and we know a lot about it.
“Gary likes it as a league for young players and he recommends it.
“Danny and Niall were talking to me and about how Aberdeen are a great club with a lot of history.
“They told me I’d love it here and as soon as I heard they were interested in taking me on loan I was here the next day.”
McLaughlin was pleased to make his first appearance for the Dons and delighted to play his part in continuing the club’s perfect start to the season with seven top flight wins from their opening seven matches.
He said: “I thought my own performance against Hamilton was good enough.
“I only wish we could have done a bit better but we got the three points and that’s the main thing.
“I already knew Niall and Danny and I’ve got to know the rest of the boys since I came to Aberdeen, so I feel as if I’ve settled in quite quickly.
“Because the lads have been doing so well I wanted to try to keep a clean sheet and keep the winning run going.
“I’m happy to have made my debut and now I want to push on.”