Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes praises impact of subs in Europa League win

Wes Burns of Aberdeen celebrates (Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

ABERDEEN manager Derek McInnes hailed the impact of substitutes Jayden Stockley and Wes Burns as they both scored in a comfortable 3-0 win over Ventspils.

Adam Rooney was also on target in the second half of the Europa League second qualifying round first leg tie at Pittodrie.

The Reds are well placed to progress after next Thursday’s return match in Latvia and McInnes believes the victory was well deserved.

Stockley’s goal arrived only six minutes after his introduction as a substitute as he scored with a powerful header following a cross by Jonny Hayes.

McInnes said: “Jayden is a very good penalty box striker. You can see his ability to cause problems physically.

“Jonny’s cross was magnificent. He needs more variety in his crosses, but that cross had a great shape. That’s where Jayden wants to ball played to him.”

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes (Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The Dons boss added: “The players gave everything. They played with their heads and hearts. They played with intensity and really got on top of the opposition from early on.”

Burns signed on a season-long loan from Bristol City just in time to be available for selection against Ventspils.

The Wales Under-21 international came on in the 89th minute as a replacement for Rooney and scored with his first touch – a header from a cross by Niall McGinn.

McInnes said: “Wes came on and scored with his first touch. He did really well to get up ahead of their big centre forward.

“I thought 3-0 was a fairer reflection on the game given how relentless we were with our work in the second half.

“Wes has been out on loan at a couple of teams who are struggling at the bottom end of the table. Sometimes that is difficult for a young player, especially a forward player.

“Hopefully he has come to a club now that can make the best use of him. He will be a good addition for us. I have no doubts about that.”