Striker joins his brother after resigning

David Dangana has signed a new contract at Pittodrie. The 19-year-old striker who made 22 appearances for the Reserves last season, as well as three appearances on the first team bench, will be looking to push on this season after agreeing a one-year deal.

Amongst the forward players that he will be competing with this season at Aberdeen is his brother Michael, one of the recent Youth Academy graduates who came in full-time this summer.

David spoke to afc.co.uk about having his brother around as well as his aims for the season ahead:

David and Michael Dangana

“It is slightly strange now having my younger brother about the club! Obviously I am happy for him. There will be quite a lot of healthy family competition now every day in training.

“Michael was actually training with us before the end of the season. We had a challenge to see who could score more in the shooting drill, straight away I lost that! I think he scored six out of six and the pressure got to me! I will need to up my game.

“My dad also winds me up that Michael is coming for my position!

“We do spend quite a bit of time together off the field. Our relationship is just like what most people have with their brothers. We also have two little sisters and we are a close family and all support each other.

“We have not actually played that much football together in the same team.

“In a pre-season game at the start of last season we were on the pitch together for ten minutes or so. That is the only time we have played together for Aberdeen. We did play together at Primary School – Michael played up front and I was a midfielder back then.

“As a big brother I will keep an eye on him but at the same time I will let him find his own feet! I will not be giving him any help when it comes to the dressing room, he can learn about the fine system himself!

“Michael is very familiar with all the players from the different age groups, so I don’t think he is nervous about coming in full time. He is more excited than anything.

“The SFA Performance School does help prepare you for becoming a full time professional but at the same time it is still a bit of a shock to the system training every day, the different tempo at training and also coming up against players who are maybe three or four years older than you. So it is difficult at first but I am sure he’ll quickly adjust.

“It is a big season for me coming up.

“Last year was not ideal as we struggled a bit in the reserve league. It was a tough season because there were not a lot of games so it was hard to get into any form and rhythm as a team.

“Personally though, I thought I did quite well and I was pleased with my development.

“It was a big moment getting into the first team squad on a number of occasions. I was also named on the bench three times. Once you get a taste of that, it really gives you something to aim for.

“Being on the bench has made me even hungrier to push on this year and force my way into the manager’s plans.

“I feel I am getting better each year. I am getting stronger each year compared from when I arrived at Pittodrie as a 16-year-old. I need to keep working hard though so I can push on.

“I get on very well with Paul Sheerin. He has been a great help to me. As have all the coaches and the new deal shows that they still believe in me. I need to repay that faith.

“If you asked me which areas I still need to work on, I would say everything. I still need to keep trying to improve every day with all aspects of my game. You should never rest. As a striker I would like to add more goals to my game. I scored nine times last season in the reserves but I know I have the ability to score more regularly.

“Ethan Ross was brilliant last season and really deserved all the plaudits he got. It was very encouraging for the rest of the boys. It shows what can happened if you do well, you will be rewarded. It is then about taking your opportunity when it comes along.”

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