Ryan Duncan made a big impact last season, initially with a series of strong displays as a sub. Having then been given a starting role by Barry Robson, the winger played a crucial part in the Dons’ success at the end of the campaign, playing in most of the games through the winning run that took them into the top three. Although not selected in his natural position, he did an excellent job for the team, helping to ensure the Dons will play group stage European football this season. Ryan talked to RedTV in Portugal.

“It has been a very tough three days. It is very warm – just sitting in it, it is very warm! But to train in this weather makes it a lot harder. We have had double sessions every day, but it has been a really good week so far.

“I feel good. Coming back for pre-season, you know it is going to be tough. Since I have come back in, I have felt sharp. The week away with the Scotland U21s helped a lot with that. I got some game time.

“Going away with Scotland, I had to have a think about what I did. As soon as the season finished, I took a week off, but I carried on doing gym work in the off-season. Once I returned from Scotland duty I carried on with the programme I had been given by Graham Kirk.

“The gaffer does push us to the limit but he is also there to help us. He is trying to make you a better player. We know the hard work will help in the long run. The sessions are hard but also enjoyable. A lot of the work we do is with the ball. That helps mentally. Between sessions it is important to try and get some rest and also keep out of the sun.

“There are a lot of games coming up this season, so fitness is very important.

“I enjoyed every minute of last season. There were times when I was in and out of the team. Also there were quite a number of appearances off the bench but whenever I got on the pitched, I loved playing.

“To get a run of games in the team was great. It does a lot for your confidence. I think I needed a run like that. It also helped with my match sharpness.

“I played a number of different positions. I had to adapt. It can be difficult. You have get used to playing different styles.

“I enjoy playing on the right wing. But I did like the experience of playing in the number 10 position. Both positions bring out different strengths in me. As a winger I like getting one on one with the full back and finding space. In the number ten role it is a lot harder to get on the ball. When you do get on it, normally you are picking the ball up in a good position. I do feel in both roles I can utilise my height when we need to go long.

“I will be looking to score more goals next season. There were a couple of times when I went close to adding to the two I scored. In the Ross County game, I was almost away celebrating! And I should also have scored in the Rangers game. I am still young and everything in new to me, but I maybe need to calm down a bit when I get into those areas. When I watched my clips back, I do well to get into those areas, but it is just that final product or final ball I need to work on.

“I watch back all the games and all the clips. I do get annoyed with myself if I have made a bad pass for example. It is those little details I need to work on and tidy up. After each game and watching them back, I would then do extra work in training on the things I have learned, and areas I need to improve. It is the little things you need to work on if you want to become better.

“The whole of last season was a massive learning curve for me. I now need to take that knowledge and experience into this season. I don’t set myself any goals. It is just about making sure I improve year by year, and game by game.

“It is a dream of any young boy from Aberdeenshire to play for this football club. It is a privilege and honour to play for the club you support.”