Jimmy Thelin has suggested Vicente Besuijen could still have a future at Aberdeen after the winger was given a first opportunity to revitalise his Pittodrie career.
The Aberdeen boss reckons Besuijen made an impactful return to the Dons starting XI, playing the first hour as the Scottish Premiership side secured a routine 4-0 win in the Premier Sports Cup against Mick Kennedy's Lowland League outfit, East Kilbride.
The 23-year-old had not featured for Aberdeen since a crushing Scottish Cup defeat against the same manager, when he was in charge at Darvel 18 months ago.
Following that episode, the one-time Netherlands youth international was loaned to Excelsior and spent the latter half of last season with FC Emmen, having been largely overlooked by former head coach, Barry Robson.
However, under Thelin’s guidance, Besuijen, plus the likes of Shayden Morris, Pape Habib Gueye and Jayden Richardson, have all been granted a fresh start having previously found themselves excluded from Aberdeen first team plans.
Read more:
-
Duk facing Aberdeen disciplinary action after pre-season no show
-
Why Manchester United want to keep 'very important' Scott McTominay
“I want to give the players opportunities to show themselves,” Thelin confirmed.
“Vinny has had some problems with the hamstring in the last weeks, but that was his first game, and while he was fresh, he did well.
“He can’t play in 90 yet because he hasn’t trained fully, but he did well. He protected the ball well, he found some combinations, and he worked hard.”
Thelin also delivered an update on star striker, Bojan Miovski, who is attracting interest from across Europe following another prolific campaign in Scotland.
“Bojan was back on the bench, but it was good to have Ester Sokler on from the start then later we gave Peter Ambrose the chance," Thelin explained.
“We already know what Bojan can do on the pitch.
“But Bojan’s ready to play, he brings a lot of energy to the squad and he is pushing his team mates really well.”
Asked if he expected Miovski to feature before the Scottish Premiership season starts away to St Johnstone on August 5, Thelin replied: “We are taking it game by game.
“We have an important game on Tuesday (versus Airdrie) and some players played today and others on Tuesday.”
Read more:
- Kasper Schmeichel reveals the one thing that really excites him about Celtic
- Scotland in high spirits ahead of battle to exorcise old demons
New summer recruit Silvert Heltne Nilsen did not feature in the match-day squad, much to the surprise of the Red Army.
Thelin revealed why that was the case after the match at K-Park training academy, confirming the midfielder was missing due to a suspension carried over from his time in Norway.
The 32-year-old received a red card in his final match for Brann prior to joining Aberdeen on a three-year contract.
Heltne Nilsen managed to play his first game against Queen of the South since his suspension had not yet taken effect.
Regarding Heltne Nilsen, Thelin commented: “He has a suspension. It came with him here.”
