Aberdeen FC have received a significant fitness boost with Brad Lyons expected to be available for Saturday's trip to Dundee United. The midfielder's precautionary scans on the knee that forced him off at half-time against St Mirren returned positive results, allaying fears of a serious setback.
Lyons opened the scoring in the 3-1 victory over St Mirren, netting his first Premiership goal for the club in just the second minute. He was replaced at the interval after feeling the knee flare up, an issue on the same joint that had sidelined him for several weeks earlier in the season. Manager Stephen Robinson sent the player for checks which confirmed the problem is not severe.
The 29-year-old Northern Ireland international confirmed he was not fully fit for the second half but is targeting a return for the key away fixture. He highlighted the impact of Robinson's half-time team talk, which sparked the comeback from a 1-1 interval scoreline to a convincing win. Kevin Nisbet and Ayoub Mouloua scored after the break to secure the three points.
That result ended a poor run of home form and lifted Aberdeen to seventh in the Premiership table with 11 points from nine matches. Their recent form reads three wins, one draw and one loss, moving them to within touching distance of the top six.
Squad depth tested
Lyons' availability is a major relief with a busy period ahead, including a Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Rangers next month. His contributions this season have already included goals in the cup against Queen of the South and in pre-season, adding to the attacking options alongside top scorer Kevin Nisbet, who has four league goals.
The win over St Mirren showed the squad depth Robinson is building, with substitutes making a decisive impact. Lyons noted the importance of contributions from the bench to secure results, a philosophy that will be tested in the coming weeks.
Aberdeen face a Dundee United side sitting one place and a handful of points above them in sixth. The Dons won the last meeting between the sides 3-0 in August and will look to build on their improved away form, which includes a 4-1 win at Dunfermline earlier this month. The team travels to Tannadice this Saturday for their next fixture aiming for a result that could see them break into the top half of the table.
This story first appeared at Daily Record Football
