Young striker Michael Ruth will be ready for Aberdeen if required, says former boss

Former Queen’s Park manager Gus MacPherson believes that 18-year-old striker Michael Ruth will be more than ready to lead the line for crisis-hit Aberdeen.

After all, he had him playing up front for the Spiders’ first team two years ago.

Ruth could find himself pitched into action for the Pittodrie outfit when they return to action against St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park on Thursday after Ryan Edmondson joined the absentee list at the Dons.

He returned to his parent club, Leeds United, after picking up an ankle injury in training.

The club’s top scorer last season, Sam Cosgrove, is missing the first four months of this campaign due to a knee problem, with Curtis Main also absent after surgery in the summer.

And Bruce Anderson, who played when Derek McInnes’ side flopped against Rangers in their opening game of the season, is isolating after breaking Covid-19 lockdown rules.

MacPherson, who recently left his role as technical director at St Mirren, gave Ruth his senior debut back in April 2018.

He reckons that the youngster will not let anyone down if he is called upon.

“Based on how far I knew Michael could develop, he should be there or thereabouts in terms of being in the Aberdeen first-team pool now anyway,” said MacPherson.

“He was a very talented youngster who came through the youth programme at Queen’s Park, and I did not have a problem giving him a couple of games when he was just 16.

“Michael had plenty of options to choose from after his ability was spotted by Premiership clubs.

“It was credit to both Derek McInnes and his assistant, Tony Docherty, that they persuaded him that Aberdeen was the best place for him.

“I saw him play development and reserve football last season, and he did well.

“He scored a good few goals at that level, so the obvious next step for him is to play in Aberdeen’s first team.

“Michael could get his chance earlier this season than expected, but he will not let anyone down.”