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Josh eyeing Dons development

Image: Magennis: Hungry

Former Cardiff striker Josh Magennis believes his game can really develop after signing for Aberdeen.

New signing looking for game to develop at Pittodrie

Teenage striker Josh Magennis believes his game can really develop after signing for Aberdeen. The 19-year-old Northern Ireland international has switched to Pittodrie after being handed a free transfer by Cardiff City following two seasons with the Welsh outfit. He has joined international team-mate Rory McArdle at the club and cannot wait to get started with Mark McGhee's side. The youngster believes his game can really come on after he found his opportunities limited with the Bluebirds, where he scored one goal in 10 appearances, all but one of which came as a substitute. Magennis, who made his Northern Ireland debut against Turkey in May, said: "I came and spoke to Mark and his assistant Scott Leitch and I made the decision it would help me develop my game. "At Cardiff you have (Michael) Chopra and (Jay) Bothroyd, who are great strikers. For a young lad coming through it's hard to progress.

Hungrier

"Not getting the contract there just makes me hungrier and hopefully that will help Aberdeen. "When people mention Scottish football you think of the main two, Rangers and Celtic, but I have said from the start it's the most underrated league around. "When I saw the club and fanbase I felt honoured to play for Aberdeen." The 6ft 2in forward is now looking to play regularly and utilise his natural abilities to score at least 10 goals. He added: "What I really want to do is play on a consistent basis and get recognised by my international manager. "I want to hit double figures and help the team. Most people have height or pace, luckily enough I have been blessed with both. "I like to rough up defenders and also run into the channels."
McGhee delight
While McGhee is delighted to have snapped up a player with "exciting potential", he is keen to dampen expectations of Magennis finding his scoring form straight away. He has also played down comparisons with former Dons striker Lee Miller, who was sold to Middlesbrough in the winter transfer window. McGhee said: "He is only young, I'm not putting any expectations on him at all. He has come here to work hard and develop. "He's a different type from Lee Miller. Lee was really good at holding the ball up for us. "That's an aspect of Josh's game that we're going to improve on. We have got work to do there but we think we have a tremendous asset." The Dons boss added: "I have been aware of Josh for quite some time. "I spoke to Dave Jones at Christmas and at that point we were contemplating taking him on loan this season. "Then he was released, which I found surprising but wanted to benefit from."

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