Aberdeen U20s have another big on Thursday in the Development League when they travel to the capital to play Hearts. Recently RedMatchday spoke to the Dons Youth keeper Robbie Mutch.

The latest young keeper to come under the wing of Jim Leighton is Robbie Mutch. Despite only being 16, Robbie has played a good number of games for the U20s and made some vital saves. This is his story…

“I was born in Elgin but have lived in Inverurie for over ten years, basically all my life. I went to Strathburn Primary School then Inverurie Academy. I played for Colony Park for one year and then I signed for Aberdeen when I was eight or nine. I was loaned back out to Colony last season and I was on the brink of getting released by the club, as at U17 level there were two other keepers, both of who were in their final year at U17 level so it was only right that they got their chance ahead of me.

“Luckily for me, one of them quit and the other ‘keeper got injured, which gave me my chance again. I am now in my second year at U17 level and at the start of the season, I went to Portugal with the U20s during their pre-season tournament and played a few games. I had two clean sheets and did ok and was offered a full time contract. So I very nearly left the club which just goes to show that you need a few breaks along the way to make it in football.

“That is especially the case for goalkeepers. I have always been a goalkeeper. I never wanted to play in goal, I wanted to play outfield but because I was tall I was just told

“ ’Right Robbie you are in!’ Being an Aberdeen fan, the whole experience is quite surreal. It takes a while to get used to. My Dad and I were actually going to go to some of the European games as supporters, but then I signed in the summer and could not go!

“Adjusting to becoming a professional footballer takes time and the training is tough, but I really enjoy it. A typical week will see me doing a single session on a Monday in preparation for the U20 game on the Tuesday. Wednesday is then a recovery session for the boys who played the day before and a more intense session for those who did not.

“Thursday is usually a double day. I work with the goalkeepers in the morning and then the U20s go back out in the afternoon. A Friday will see us doing football in the morning and then strength and conditioning in the afternoon. On a Saturday, if the first team are at home, we will come in and watch the game and then do our jobs afterwards.

“I train with Jim Leighton and the other goalkeepers every other day. Jim is a legend at the club and everyone has told me all about him. I am too young to have seen him play but being an Aberdeen fan, I have watched a lot of his games back on the Internet. I really enjoy working with him. Training is tough though. I would not imagine there are any fitter goalkeepers in Scotland because he really works us hard.

“All the goalkeepers are very friendly with each other and we all get on well. I was nervous when I first trained with them but they all made me feel and welcome. Scott Brown has gone out of his way to help me. He made me feel every welcome when I first came in. He lives out my way so has helped out with lifts, which is a great help as I don’t drive yet. Jamie and Danny are also good to me. Danny has had something like four player of the month awards out of seven at Dumbarton, so he is having a great season.

“I am still only 16. When I signed in the summer, I was told my main focus this year would be with U17 football. I still play for them most Sundays. I did not expect to play much for the u20s, I thought I would be on the bench now and again, as Bryce was there and he was older. So to have played ten games and to have had as much game time as I have had is extremely pleasing.

“In those ten games, I have conceded four goals so my record is ok. The U20 dressing room is a great place to be at the moment. It has been great coming in this season because we have been so successful. I feel I have played my part and if we do go on and win the league, it will make those games and the saves I have made even more memorable.

“The first game I played was against Motherwell at Fir Park. It was the second game of the season and we won the game 3-1 with Joe Shaughnessy scoring a couple. I came up against against Henrik Ojamaa in that game, played against Jon Daly when we faced Rangers, Callum McGregor played for Celtic, so I have come across a number of first team players which is good for my development.

“The penalty save up at Ross County when we won 1-0 recently was probably the highlight of my Aberdeen career to date. At the time it felt quite a comfortable save but when I watched it back on tape, it was actually quite decent as the taker caught it well. We were up against a strong County side and it was a very tough game, so it was a good win and an important three points.

“The following week against Partick Thistle, I dropped a cross in the first few minutes. Thankfully, the defence helped me out on that occasion and I went on and had a few good saves and probably played my best game for the 20s. Again, we were up against it but battled to a 2-1 win and another three points. I think that has been the story of the season, coming out on top in those really tight games.

“Probably one of the hardest things at U20 level is the fact there are a lot more balls over the top and it is difficult judging whether to come out or not. Again that is something all goalkeepers have to deal with and that judgement comes with experience.

“I do get nervous before U20s games but when the game kicks off, I am fine. Next season I will be a bit more used to it. It is all part of my learning curve. The hardest part of being a goalkeeper is knowing that if you make a mistake, the likelihood is that it will lead to a goal. Then, if you do make a mistake, it is important to have the mental strength to forget about it and get on with the game. You have to keep your concentration at all times.

“Before, if I made a mistake that led to a goal, for a good half hour I would be thinking about it but playing professional football, you cannot do that. Thankfully though I have not made a major mistake yet and touch wood, I won’t.”