Jimmy Thelin has backed Oday Dabbagh to bring something different to Aberdeen’s front line.
The Charleroi loanee striker started training with his team-mates this week and Dons fans will hope to get their first glimpse of him at Dundee on Saturday. Thelin claims Dabbagh will help get Aberdeen in behind defences. He said: “He’s a different profile to how we play. He’s good on his left foot and at positioning himself in running behind the line. He can also bring a calmness. He uses his body to help other players but also to finish himself.”
Aberdeen have included an option to buy the Palestinian, similar to what they’ve done in Jeppe Okkels’ switch from Preston. Thelin said: “If everybody is happy with the loan and the player enjoys it here, it’s an opportunity for the long term. We have to fix right now but still have to understand what we want in the future.
“Let’s see what happens with these players with the loans. Hopefully they can do really well for us, then we have the opportunity.”
Aberdeen have struggled for goals in the league and to keep clean sheets. Thelin will be hoping his side kick on from their 3-0 Scottish Cup win over Dunfermline.
The Dons gave a debut to Dutch centre-back Mats Knoester who strolled through the game. He gives the centre-halves more of a natural balance alongside Kristers Tobers.
Thelin is happy with the business he has done in the January window – bringing in six players, with Angus MacDonald, Duk and James McGarry leaving. He said: “We need strong competition in the squad and bring in new qualities.”