Niall McGinn returns for second spell at Pittodrie

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Winger Niall McGinn has returned to Aberdeen following a four-month spell in South Korea.

After five years at Pittodrie, McGinn left for Gwangju in July, but made only seven appearances before terminating his contract by mutual consent.

The Northern Ireland international has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Dons.

"We are looking forward to Niall picking up where he left off," Derek McInnes told his club website.

McGinn, 30, amassed 223 appearances and scored 68 goals in his first stint at Pittodrie.

The former Celtic and Brentford player helped Aberdeen win the League Cup in 2014 - their first major trophy since 1995.

 

McInnes proud of 'strong year' for Dons

 

"Niall is a player I really enjoyed working with in the past so I was really keen to work with him again when the opportunity arose," McInnes said."I think he is a player who has always brought a high level of performance.

 

"Everyone from all the staff at the club, to his team-mates, to the supporters, will all welcome him back.'He's a popular lad'"He has been right up there in terms of goals and assists over the past five years. If he can replicate what he has done for us in the past then we will all be very pleased.

 

"Hopefully he can help us maintain the standards we have set."Being as good a player as Niall is, we were not his only option. It pleases us that he knew how happy he was here and I think that has played a big part in it. Niall knows he will be well received and I am sure the supporters will show that.

 

"He is a very popular lad around the club and his team mates recognise the standard of player we have got. It is not easy to bring in someone in January, or at any time for that matter, with 50-odd international caps to your club.

 

"Some players and clubs are a good fit for each other and I think that is certainly the case with Niall and Aberdeen."He has signed a long-term deal because he wants to settle down in Aberdeen. He wanted that longevity in his contract. We are going to enjoying working with Niall over the next few years."

 

BBC