Ante Palaversa was the player who spoke to the media ahead of the Dons game against Rangers on Wednesday at Ibrox.

“The new contract, it is amazing to be here. It is amazing to be part of this squad. That is why I wanted to stay. I am so happy.

“Without my team-mates, it would not be possible. We have still a lot to achieve but there have been some good moments, which I have enjoyed.

“I want to be part of the manager’s plans going forward. I like the manager’s plan for the present and for the future and that is why I stick with this team.

“I like everything about the club and the city.

“I want to make every day as good as I can.

“This is the club that gave me the chance to show what I could do after not playing. So I am very grateful. And when I say the club, I mean everybody – the manager, the coaches, the players, the supporters.”

The midfielder admits his long layoff before arriving at Pittodrie means he is still working tirelessly to get back to his best form.

“It has been a while now since I was not fit enough to compete for a place in the side, so I am really happy. It has been a long time since that was the situation. It has been a really difficult time, but if you believe and you work hard – training, training, training – then things will turnaround for you.

“I think I can still improve a lot. I think I can show more. Since I arrived, I think I also played some good games but there are a lot of things myself and the team can improve. That is why I want to stay here and show everyone that I can do it.”

“The bad run, it has been surprising. It has been very disappointing. We are trying to find a way to bounce back from that situation. I firmly believe we will bounce back.

“Against Hearts, we were better at doing some of things we had done well in the past. But there were also some parts where we need to do better. I firmly believe we as a team will improve going forward.

“Of course, we will try and be at our best tomorrow night. We are going to try and give everything to try a succeed there. Our only focus is on the game, not future results. We have to be there from the first minute.

“I am not the new boy anymore! I know the new players are going to be very helpful for us. They are here to give their very best. You can see in the training already, even although it has only been a couple of days, the qualities that they will bring.”