Hartley urges Maguire to stay at Dons

Aberdeen captain Paul Hartley has urged Chris Maguire to stay at Pittodrie for the good of his career.

Dons director of football Willie Miller this week offered a pessimistic assessment of the chances of retaining Maguire beyond the end of the season, revealing the striker had resisted attempts to discuss a contract extension over the course of the last 18 months.

The 21-year-old has been rejuvenated by last month's arrival of management team Craig Brown and Archie Knox, netting four goals in two games, and Hartley believes the former Scotland Under-21 internationalist, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Kilmarnock, would benefit long-term by prolonging his working relationship with the veteran coaches.

"He's really important for us," Hartley said. "We want him to stay.

"I think it's important for his football education that he stays with Aberdeen. If he stays at Aberdeen for three or four years, he can really learn under Craig and Archie."