Jon Gallagher recently joined on loan from reigning MLS champions Atlanta United and made his Dons debut on Saturday.

The 23-year-old, who can cover a number of different positions, spoke to RedTV last week in his native Ireland and revealed how a couple of very famous ex Aberdeen players helped persuade him to come over the Atlantic.

“Bobby Clark was my coach for a number of years and had always been mentioning Aberdeen during that time, so I kept somewhat of an eye on them and Scottish football. And then I worked closely with Stephen Glass in Atlanta. When the opportunity came up to move to Aberdeen, he was one of the first people to ask what I thought of it and he gave his opinion. He was really helpful in the process.

“Dave Cormack was the same. They all had very good things to say about Aberdeen. When that many people are vouching for the club and talking about how great it could be for my career, it was then an easy decision.

“Playing in Europe and the Europa League was definitely one of the big attractions of coming over here.

“As soon as they mentioned Aberdeen would be playing in the Europa League, it was a straight forward decision for any player.

“European football is a brilliant opportunity for the club.

“I feel the group stages is a realistic target. That is something that has been spoken about within the group. It won’t be easy but we are going to give it our all when it comes around.

“If we get a bit a momentum and the fans get behind us, we can make something special happen.

“Football in America is growing so fast, but I am happy to be at Aberdeen. I just want to give everything I can at Aberdeen and develop my own game.

“Ideally, I want to get a bit of momentum and maybe win a cup. To help the team get some silverware here would be brilliant.

“It is an exciting time for the club. The training ground will be a big step forward for all the players and the staff.

“Playing wise I didn’t get much of an opportunity last year but being around the team that won the MLS Cup, and I was in and around the dressing room when that happened, was a cool experience.

“I am here until January.

“I think there is the option to extend it, but it will be dependent on the two clubs. We will just have to wait and see what happens, but I am not thinking about that at the moment.

“The MLS season is a little different as it will start up again in January.

“I have come out to Aberdeen to try and do the very best I can.

“Pre-season has been great for me as all the players and staff have been very welcoming. The players have been very supportive.

“It is always good to get the minutes under my belt and get to know the guys a bit better. It is one thing to do it in training but it is a little different in a match situation.

“It worked to my advantage the fact we had started our season in America, so I am match sharp. I played only three weeks ago.

“If I had to describe myself, I would say that I am a quick player. I like to get forward and be very direct – I like to get myself one on one with players. I also have a very high work rate. I will give everything I have.

“In college I played a bit more off the shoulder and got a couple of goals too. However at the next level I see myself playing as more of a wide player.

“I have not been able to take many free kicks recently (having scored a good number in the past) because I have been the young lad in the team! We will see if I get a chance to take one here.

“The manager has been great with me. He has just said there is no pressure. Go out onto the pitch and enjoy yourself, express yourself and try and help the team.

“Hopefully I can do that in the weeks and months ahead.”