Aberdeen have been handed a major boost with the news James McGarry is closing in on a return.

The New Zealand star has been out since he suffered a hamstring injury against Ross County in September. But the defender is now back training with Barry Robson ’s first team squad ahead of Sunday’s clash with Rangers in the Scottish Premiership. The Dons won’t rush the 25-year-old back as they look to make sure his hamstring is 100 per cent first. McGarry has had a stop-start career at Pittodrie since he joined from Central Coast Mariners in the summer.

His arrival was delayed until his partner gave birth and when he did eventually come across, had to play catch up as he had missed out on a pre-season. Robson and his Aberdeen team worked him hard to get him up to speed and he was looking a good acquisition before he suffered the setback of the injury. McGarry’s return will give the Dons squad a lift ahead of some big European and domestic games, including the Viaplay Cup final against Rangers next month.

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