Derby County old boy's struggles revealed after summer transfer
Derby County news | The Scotland international made 278 appearances for the Rams before leaving the club last summer to sign for Aberdeen on a free transfer
by Mark WakefieldAberdeen boss Derek McInnes has admitted to using former Derby County midfielder Craig Bryson too much at times this season.
Bryson left Derby last summer to join the Scottish Premiership side on a free transfer, ending his eight-year stint at Pride Park Stadium.
During his time with the Rams, Bryson made 278 appearances, scoring 42 goals and providing 39 assists for his team mates.
The Scotland international is still held in high regard by the Rams faithful, having twice been voted as the club's player of the year.
The 33-year-old is arguably remembered most for his hat-trick against arch rivals Nottingham Forest in the famous 5-0 win in 2014.
Since his move to Pittodrie, Bryson has struggled with two separate ankle injuries that have restricted him to making just nine appearances this season.
With Aberdeen due to play Celtic this weekend, McInnes hopes to have the former Ram available for selection, but admitted the club have not handled the player’s injury as well as they could have done.
“He could play against Celtic,” McInnes told The Press and Journal.
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“I’ve been guilty, Craig’s been guilty and the medical staff have been a bit guilty of pushing him a bit too much at certain stages this season.
“I think the reason we’ve pushed him at times is because we’ve had injuries with Ojo and a lack of midfield.
“We’ve got options there and in an ideal world we’d be able to bed him in. I think that would still be the plan.
“If he’s had a good week, he’ll be in the squad. Whether we start him or not remains to be seen.
“He wouldn’t be able to play 90 minutes. Whether he’s more effective starting or coming off the bench, we’ll see.”