Former Portsmouth and Rangers man lauded as 'Rolls Royce' after inspiring Aberdeen victory over Hibernian

The Scotland under-21 captain moved to the Pittodrie Stadium from Rangers last month – initally on loan before that switch becomes permanent next summer.

McCrorie spent last season on loan at Fratton Park and featured 22 times in both right-back and central-midfield roles.

While McCrorie didn't quite live up to some fans’ expectations on the south coast, Kenny Jackett was a big admirer and expressed interest in the versatile talent returning on a temporary basis this term.

However, the 22-year-old instead wanted a permanent home and decided to join Aberdeen.

McCrorie's made four appearances for the Dons and made a big early impression.

His display in the middle of the park in their 1-0 victory over Hibernian on Sunday saw him awarded the man-of-the-match award.

Dons boss Derek McInnes feels McCrorie's career has been 'stop-start' so far and he's only going to get better.

Speaking to Sky Sports, McInnes said: ‘How good is he? He’s a dream. He’s an absolute dream, he’s a Rolls Royce of a boy.

‘He’s going to get better with games, you can see that. His career has been stop-start.

‘A lot of times players leave the Old Firm and think it’s downhill. Not for this boy.

‘He’s going to go and go far. I’m just delighted we’ve managed to get him. He wasn’t our priority at the time.

‘He was always my priority if he ever became available to try and get him, he’s been on every list we’ve ever spoke about for the last couple of years.

‘We needed a front player and thankfully we managed to get Marley Watkins and him in, which I'm grateful for from the board. That boy is going to get better.

‘Regardless of where I play him, he's going to be a real steady performer and some days he'll light the game up as he did.

‘He made countless tackles, showed his power, showed his athleticism, but he can play as well the boy.’