Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Robbie Hanratty

Graeme Shinnie shuts down Aberdeen transfer return as Pittodrie favourite issues Wigan pledge

Graeme Shinnie played down his chances of returning to Aberdeen as he puts the focus on Wigan.

There had been reports that the Scotland cap's future at the English Championship club was in jeopardy and he was available for transfer - something that put the Red Army high on alert.

Shinnie made 181 starts over a four year spell with the Dons before leaving the Granite City for the heights of England in summer 2019.

He also scored a memorable goal at Ibrox in 2017 as Aberdeen beat Rangers in what was their first away victory against the Govan club since September 1991.

But now the former Inverness star that he is staying put at Wigan and is ready to fight for his place this coming season.

Shinnie told The Press and Journal said: “My focus is to go down to Wigan after enjoying some time off with my family.

"I stay away from football as much as I can at this time of year and enjoy the down-time as much as possible to let my body rest and recover.

“I am back for pre-season on Thursday and, once there, it is about hitting the ground running, being as fit as a I can and look to play in the Wigan team. That’s all I’m focused on.”

Shinnie admits things haven't been all plain-sailing since he left Scotland despite an unlikely link-up with former Manchester United and England star Wayne Rooney.

The 30-year-old spent two-and-a-half seasons with Derby County before joining the Latics in January this year.

"I found it tough to start with when I moved down and my family had moved from Scotland. I was initially living in a hotel and it was a different experience in my career", Shinnie added.

“Wigan were high-flying at the time and had a really settled team who went on to win the league. I helped the team in any way I could.

“So I am looking at it as a fresh start for me at Wigan. I aim to get a good pre-season under my belt and really hit the ground running down there.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.