Rangers target Scott Wright still a key part of Aberdeen's plans says Derek McInnes

Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes hopes Scott Wright takes confidence from the interest being expressed in the winger – because the Dons boss intends on playing him while he still has him.

Scott Wright is in demand. (Picture: SNS)

Rangers’ link to Wright, who is out of contract at the end of the season and free to speak to clubs about a pre-contract deal now, came to light following the side’s SPFL Premiership fixture on Sunday and McInnes confirmed the Ibrox interest earlier this week.

A deal could be struck for the 23-year-old to make the switch earlier than the expiry of his deal, but until that point, McInnes intends on playing the winger regardless of who is watching him.

“I don't expect anything to happen this week, the clubs will probably speak again at some point but Scott has a game on Saturday to concentrate on on and that's where we are,” McInnes said.

Derek Mcinnes has backed his winger to continue to play for the Dons despite the speculation (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)

“I had a good chat with him yesterday and he's really keen to play and we're going to play him because he is our player and an important player for us.

“Someone wants him, more than one club wants to take him and we want to keep him, so he's actually a good position. He should take confidence from the fact that he's a key player for us, he's playing well and in our team.”

McInnes saw a big future at Pittodrie for Wright before the winger turned down his contract renewal.

Speaking on BBC Sportsound, the manager went on: “It's a shame he's not had that many games under his belt, it's only now we feel we are getting that maturity and responsibility. Last year we thought we were getting that before the cruciate operation but he's come back strong from that.

"We wanted him to be part of the next 80 or 100 games for us but unfortunately it doesn't look like it's going to be that way but he is still our player until the end of the season and it's up to someone to come and change our mind on that.

“We're in charge of things just now, other clubs will be in charge of it once Scott is out of contract.”

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