Kieran Gibbons made his Aberdeen debut in the recent game against Partick Thistle. It was a fantastic moment for Kieran who has who had to battle back from a number of major reverses during his short career. A very popular figure around Pittodrie, he told us about his big moment.

“I was just sitting on the bench, absorbed in the game, feeling quite relaxed, and then I noticed the gaffer having a chat with Tony and Paul. The manager then turned round and told me to go and warm up. I think it was the quickest warm up I have ever done! Jeffrey beside me was calmly going through his routine behind the goal and I was running back and forth like an Olympic sprinter!

“I was more nervous doing the warm up because I had a bit of time to think about things. When the manager called me back up, I actually felt ok because it all happened quickly and next thing I knew I was on the pitch.
“I was so delighted to get on and be involved and it was a great feeling doing my little bit to help the team get a victory.

“The U20s have been doing very well as a team this year and it is good to see a good representation of the U20s involved in the squad in recent weeks. When I played, I felt I was representing all the boys in the 20s.

“The manager has shown if you do well for the youth team, you will get a chance. The gaffer and Tony Docherty come and watch as many of the games as possible. Any games they can’t make, they will watch on tape and they also trust Paul Sheerin’s judgement on how a game has gone and who has played well.”

Sadly Kieran’s great moment was missed by his number one fan – his Dad! Despite having watched the midfielder play hundreds of times, standing on wet and windswept touchlines up and down the country, he was not at Firhill.

“I spoke to my Dad and told him there was very little chance of me being involved, so not to bother taking a day off work! I did not think I would be in the squad. I thought I was just there to make up the numbers at training on the Saturday when Barry Robson dropped out, but then I was told I was travelling with the team. Even then I did not think I would be on the bench. It was the first time I had even been a sub!

“My Mum and my Dad come to most of my games and always have done since I was a young boy. I really appreciate all the support they have given me over the years and the sacrifices the family have had to make. My Mum was at the game with my Aunt and Uncle, so at least one of them got to see me making my debut.

“My Mum phoned him to say “You will never guess what has just happened!”

“My Dad has still not seen the game, but I know someone from the club is going to give him a DVD.”

We have told the story before of Kieran’s famous footballing family. Jack McGinn was President of the Scottish Football Association and three of his grandchildren have gone on to make their mark at senior level. Stephen McGinn represented the national team at Under-21 level and, after three and a half years at Watford, moved to Sheffield United. His younger brother Paul, a former target of the Dons, helped Dundee knock Aberdeen out of the Scottish Cup last week and there is also John who plays for St Mirren. John is extremely highly rated and is part of the current Scotland U21 squad.

“I am friendly with all my cousins but I mainly speak to John as he is a similar age to me. He was very quick on the social media after the game to congratulate me, which was nice. Thanks to all the supporters as well who sent me messages, it meant a lot.”

Kieran has had to show enormous determination just to get to this stage of his career given that a dispute with Hamilton Accies could have finished him before he even started as he was unable to play football for a while as a result, then last season he had to battle back from a serious injury. The defensive midfielder has been showing that determination on the pitch this season for the U20s, and is busy catching the eye whenever he plays. But he is quick to point out that it is a team game.

“Individually I have done ok this season and as a team we have done very well. We have really pushed on from a disappointing second half to the season last year.

“We have not really used the five over age player rule. We have had one or two, like Craig Murray and Nicky Low, but apart from that, the majority of the team has been made up of the U20 squad. Some other teams are playing no over age players and others are using five every week. I think it is more beneficial not using too many older boys. It is better for our development.

“This is a big season for me as I am out of contract is the summer, but I just look at where I was last year, on a treatment table. I now treat every game as if it is my last.

“Recovering from a long term injury is so hard, especially as I kept breaking down whilst trying to train again. It was a nightmare. I was hitting my head against a brick wall. Clark Robertson was a great help because he has had quite a few long term injures. He was able to help me through it. I also have to thank all the physios at the club as well for putting up with me! Dealing with a long term injury is mentally draining. You would see all the boys going away on a Tuesday to play a game and you are just left in the dressing room on your own waiting for treatment.

“Your days are so long. I was the grumpiest guy ever. My Mum and Dad had to put up with me moaning, Scott McKenna had to put up with me moaning in the digs. You just feel everything is going against you. You would control your anger at work and take it out on stupid things like when you were sitting playing FIFA!

“You do appreciate football so much more. Every day in training you give your all. I know how lucky I am. It is the best job in the world and I will give it 100%. There are a lot of the young boys out of contract so it is a big six months for everyone involved with the U20s.”