Aberdeen sign ‘privileged’ Barry Robson

Barry Robson in action for Scotland in 2008. Picture: Kenny Smith

The 34-year-old midfielder will officially join the Dons when his current contract with Sheffield United expires.

Manager Derek McInnes made Dundee United midfielder Willo Flood his first summer signing last week on a similar pre-contract agreement.

McInnes played alongside Robson at Tannadice and he told RedWeb yesterday: “Barry is a player I know well and having been a team-mate of his I can see the same hunger and determination within him as he had when I played alongside him.

“It’s clear to see he has

retained a high level of performance. Both Tony [Docherty, assistant manager] and I have watched him recently and have only had good

reports about his performances for Sheffield United.

“We still feel he has that winning mentality and is someone who can bring some real quality to the team.

“We’re delighted to have him on board and as a local boy I’m sure he is looking

forward to playing for his hometown team.”

Inverurie-born Robson, who has also played for

Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Celtic, Middlesbrough and Vancouver Whitecaps while gaining 17 caps for Scotland, said: “I think it’s something I have always wanted to do, it’s something my family have always wanted me to do and I am very privileged to be able to join now.

“I know how big a club this is, I know how good a club it is and it’s always a club I wanted to play for and I am just glad I am getting the opportunity to do that.”

Flood and Wilson will be teaming up together for the fourth time. The pair were previously team-mates at Dundee United, Celtic and Middlesbrough.

The arrival of the midfielders is part of a significant rebuilding job being undertaken by McInnes, who is

releasing 11 players this summer but has already extended the contracts of Niall McGinn and Josh Magennis.