Shinnie targets more goals in ‘fresh era’ at Aberdeen

Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie aims to provide more goal threat this season after scoring in a comfortable 3-0 success away to Queen of the South.

The 32-year-old netted in between a double for striker Ester Sokler in the opening round of group games in the Premier Sports Cup.

And the experienced midfielder reckons the presence of new arrival Sivert Heltne Nilsen will allow him to get forward more often.

“I want to try and add more of it to my game,” Shinnie told Premier Sports.

“Even though I’m getting older now, I still want to try and chip in with the goals.

“Siv’s come in and he’s a bit more defensive so I can push on a bit more knowing that he’s going to be covering in behind me.”

The long trip to Palmerston Park was Jimmy Thelin’s first competitive match in charge and Shinnie says players have “had to learn very quickly” under the new Swedish manager.

“There is that little bit in the back of your mind that knows the league form last year was not good enough and it’s something we want to rectify,” he explained.

“But it’s a fresh era, a fresh start, a new season that will bring totally different challenges, and it’s one I’m looking forward to.”