Sone Aluko is grateful for Birmingham boss Alex McLeish kick-starting his career with an initial loan move to Aberdeen. The St Andrew's boss released the former England youth international on loan to Jimmy Calderwood last season, which was eventually made permanent.

"I'm 100-per-cent happy I made the break from Birmingham," said 19-year-old Aluko. "I'd much rather be playing for Aberdeen than sitting on the bench down there. I could have been in their reserves or out on loan once again somewhere else. Basically, I had to try this now.

"Alex McLeish sat down with me and spoke about it. He told me my career would benefit from playing regular football and the loan move to Aberdeen set the wheels in motion for that in the second half of last season. I'm glad I came to Pittodrie."