Jimmy Thelin has opened the door for Duk to make a top-team return at Aberdeen.
The striker returned to Cormack Park this week and made a public apology for going AWOL since the summer. The Cape Verde international was trying to force a move but has now returned to the Granite City, where he has joined up with the rest of the squad. Thelin said: “We have a really good team spirit. You can’t travel through time or change the past but the most important thing is to look forward.
“For me, it is the starting point for me just now. The squad has accepted it and he has integrated really well. He is giving 100% in every training session since he arrived. From there, he has to adapt and grow into the team and get a connection with his teammates. Then, we know his qualities. From not playing football for a while he just has to stay sharp and be ready for a game. He has trained well and his individual fitness is good but then he needs to adapt to the games, temp, intensity and his teammates in how we want to play. Of course, that will take some time but let’s see.”
Thelin’s team have made a 100% start under him. He admitted the standard is there for every player – he expects maximum effort when they pull on an Aberdeen shirt or training top. Duk also apologised to his teammates who have welcomed him back into the fold. The Aberdeen manager confirmed: “When he came, he apologised to the players, staff and everybody around here. It feels genuine. The players have taken care of him in a good way. The most important not only for him but for everyone, everyone knows what we want and to give 100% in training sessions and games. It doesn’t matter who you are, it is for everyone.
Thelin picked up his first prize as Aberdeen manager. He has been named as the Glen’s Premiership manager of the month for August after an unbeaten start but insisted it was a reward for everybody at the club. The Aberdeen manager, talking to RedTV, said: “Football is a fantastic and collective sport.
“You need everyone to be better to help others to get better. This prize belongs to everyone connected with Aberdeen FC. The staff, the players how they fight every week on the training sessions, the supporters how they back us at Pittodrie and away games. That is the spirit we want to create and to keep working hard together. It is a good reward for everybody at Aberdeen.”