Paul Hartley is just about to get on a plane with the Scotland squad and fly out to Lithuania for the crucial European Championship qualifier. Before doing so the Dons captain spoke to RedWeb about the deadline day signing of Andrius Velicka.

"I was delighted when I heard the news last night he was joining us. I played with him at Hearts. He is a proven goal scorer so it is good competition for the team. He is still an international player as well so I am really pleased he is on board. He will give us a bit of experience up front now as well.

"I was with Andrius for a season and a bit at Hearts, then he came and joined me at Bristol but unfortunately he got injured.

"I know he can score goals.

"That season at Hearts he was very very impressive. He has a good eye for goal. Hopefully he will be a good addition for the squad.

Andrius is also a big admirer of Paul's and credits the Dons midfielder with setting-up most of his goals whilst he was at Tynecastle. Was this the case?

"Probably! No seriously I know his game. If he sees a chance he can take it. As well as his goal scoring he is very strong. He can keep the ball for us. He can run in behind. He is a very powerful player. So I think it is a good bit of business by the manager bringing him in. One that we maybe did not expect to get.

"Very good lad off the field as well. A good experienced professional. He will fit in well in our dressing room. We will make him feel very welcome when he arrives next week.

"I have not had a chance to speak with him yet but I will catch up with him after the Scotland game as he is in the Lithuania squad. I will have a few words with him, tell him what to expect, tell him about the fine rules!

"So as I say he will be a good addition for us. Hopefully we are on our way to having a good team at Pittodrie.

There is a chance the Dons could have two internationalists lining up against each other on Friday night at the Lithuania National Stadium.

"It would be good. It would be good for Aberdeen. It raises the profile of the club. Hopefully he is on the end of a bad result though!

"I am not sure if he will play or not. He had a tough time with injury last year but he is back to full fitness. I spoke to some of the lads at Rangers and they were saying he has played in some of the pre-season games and was looking good.

"I am loving my time away with Scotland. It has been going well. I look forward to the game on Friday. It will be a tough match for us. If I am playing then great but if not it is still great to be part of the squad. Hopefully we can get a good result.