Defender Jack Milne on major change Aberdeen must make to salvage the season
Milne, as well as calling for risk, has played with Aberdeen's loan Rangers midfielder Lyall Cameron with Scotland under-21s and detailed what the 23-year-old can bring to Pittodrie.
Defender Jack Milne insists managerless Aberdeen need to take more risks in a bid to salvage their season.
Centre-back Milne netted in the 1-0 Scottish Cup fourth round win against Raith Rovers as the Dons began their defence of the trophy.
The centre-back’s goal ended a six-hour scoring drought and seven-game winless slump for the Reds, who have dropped into the Premiership bottom six.
Successfully beginning the defence of the Scottish Cup lifted some of the gloom at Pittodrie following the form crash and sacking of manager Jimmy Thelin.
Aberdeen sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel is leading the search for a new manager – and new signings – during the transfer window in a bid to resurrect the campaign.
Bigger the risk, bigger the reward
Milne, 22. reckons the Dons players also have to step up by being braver in games.
He said: “One of the major things in football is the bigger the risk you take, the bigger the reward, within reason.
“We can all play little five-yard passes and it doesn’t really get you anywhere.
“You need to take a risk at some point.
“The win against Raith Rovers will help with the confidence.
“We know the results haven’t been good enough.
“Hopefully, from this we can kick on.”
The Scottish Cup win against Raith marked the debut of midfielder Lyall Cameron, the first addition during the ongoing January transfer window.
Milne on loan signing Cameron
Cameron, 23, was secured on loan from Rangers until the end of the season.
There was a backlash on social media from some Dons fans at the loan because there is no option to buy.
Aberdeen’s hierarchy pushed in negotiations with Rangers for the option to buy, but the Ibrox club would not sanction it.
A banner reading “No Old Firm loans” was displayed in the Red Shed prior to kick-off against Raith.
Cameron received a standing ovation when substituted off in the 84th minute.
Milne played alongside Cameron with the Scotland under-21 squad.
He said: “I know Lyall well and he is a quality player.
“I know there was a lot of controversy about him coming here from Rangers, but for now he is our player.
“We have to let him do his thing and play his best football.
“I played with him a couple of times for the Scotland under-21s and he is a great player.
“He was very good against Raith, very tidy in the pockets and worked hard off it.”
Fans backed loan signing Cameron
Aberdeen attempted to sign Cameron last year with his contract at Dundee expiring at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
However, the midfielder opted to move to Ibrox.
Asked about some fans being frustrated at no option to buy, Milne said: “I don’t know anything about that and I don’t know what goes on behind the scenes.
“Lyall is here just now and is our player.
“As long as he performs for us, then I’ll be happy,
“The fans got behind him and they’ve been behind us all season.
“He is very good technically and his delivery was very good as we looked a threat from set-plays.”
Cameron played a key role in Milne’s winning goal when his corner delivery was flicked on by Dante Polvara.
VAR took emotion out of first goal
Milne then netted from close range for his first ever Aberdeen goal, but admits to sweating if it would be chalked off during a VAR check for handball.
He said: “I’m delighted to score my first goal as it has been a long time coming.
“Dante flicked it on and I headed it.
“I think it hit the goalie, hit me and went in.
“I’m claiming it and hopefully I can add a few more.
“I understand they have to check it, but when it starts to take a wee while you start to think this is going to get chopped off.
“It takes the emotion out of it a wee bit, but I’m thankful the goal was given.”
Midfielder Polvara was pitched in at centre-back alongside Milne against Raith due to a defensive injury crisis.
Partnering Polvara at centre-back
Centre-back Mats Knoester was ruled out due to illness, but is expected to be available for Saturday’s match against Livingston at Pittodrie.
Ruled out with long-term injury are centre-backs Kristers Tobers and Gavin Molloy.
Alfie Dorrington’s loan from Tottenham Hotspur was cut short earlier this month.
Aberdeen sporting director Pfannenstiel is working to bring in a central defender before the game against Livingston.
The Dons held talks with Celtic over Stephen Welsh and Dundee regarding Luke Graham in recent weeks.
However, Aberdeen are likely to be priced out of any move for Graham asPortsmouth recently had a significant six-figure bid for the centre-back rejected.
It is understood the Dens Park club are looking for at least £1million for Graham.
Welsh can no longer move to another club in Scotland in this window, outside of Motherwell.
He was loaned to Motherwell in the first half of the season, but recalled this month and played in Celtic’s 2-0 Scottish Cup win against Auchinleck Talbot.
The only loan option is the Steelmen as he has now played for two clubs.
Milne said: “I have played with Dante a lot there (centre-back) in training.
“A few years ago it was him and I at centre-back when we played 11 v 11.
“We have good chemistry.
“It’s different for him because he isn’t used to it, but he has great attributes.
“Dante did well in an unfamiliar position.”
[Source: Press and Journal]
