Craig Storie pens new Aberdeen deal until summer 2018

Craig Storie: Part to play. Picture: SNS

The 20-year-old has started four of the Dons’ last five games and set up their goal in the 3-1 defeat at Inverness earlier this month in impressive fashion.

Storie was handed his debut by Derek McInnes almost three years ago but injury hampered his progress, although he went on to enjoy loan spells with Forfar and Brechin.

McInnes told the club’s official website: “We’ve always been aware of Craig’s ability and he’s really taken his chance in recent weeks when asked.

“He loves it here at Pittodrie and it wasn’t a hard decision for him to agree to stay on for a further two years, during which I’m sure he’ll have a big part to play.” Storie faces fresh competition for a place in the team that hosts St Johnstone tomorrow with Ryan Jack and Willo Flood pushing for a recall after hamstring injuries.

“Both players are very key for us and will be a big influence on the team,” McInnes said. “That has certainly lifted training with those two in.

“It’s good to have good options. We said when we came out of January we would learn more about some of the younger ones between now and the end of the season and Craig Storie has done fantastic, and it’s good to have him producing those type of performances. But you are always boosted by your captain and influential player, Ryan Jack, and Willo Flood, with the experience and influence he has had on the team in the last couple of years.

“We will pick the right team hopefully but a lot of players have missed out before. That’s the beauty of having a good squad.”