Aberdeen's Calderwood praises Aluko after dazzling display

Published on Monday 1 December 2008 09:06

ABERDEEN manager Jimmy Calderwood lavished praise on young playmaker Sone Aluko after another dazzling display at Pittodrie.

The 19-year-old played a pivotal role in helping the Dons to a 2-0 victory over Mark McGhee's Motherwell yesterday, who have now gone five games without a win.

The Dons boss, who was celebrating his 200th game in charge of the club, believes the sky is the limit for Englishman Aluko.

"As a football supporter, that is what you pay to go and watch," Calderwood said.

"He has a wonderful career ahead of him if he keeps learning. The great thing about Sone is he has his feet firmly on the ground.

"He has got no air and graces about him. If he did, his father would be telling him straight away and (assistant boss] Jimmy (Nicholl] and I would be straight after him. It is wonderful to have him at Aberdeen."

Gary McDonald gave the Dons the lead just after the hour mark only moments after replacing the injured Andrew Considine.

Lee Miller doubled the lead from the penalty spot after Paul Quinn had been sent off for a last-man challenge on Darren Mackie. Calderwood felt his side could have won by more but he was delighted to take all three points and move up to fifth in the table.

"You could see the confidence coming back into the side after we got the second goal and their player had been sent off," Calderwood said.

"Motherwell may have been a man down but it is sometimes very difficult playing against ten men. We were playing one-touch football and creating chances."