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RUSSELL ANDERSON will hold talks with Derek McInnes in the next fortnight as he strives to keep his Aberdeen love affair alive.

The club captain hasn’t kicked a ball for the first team since August because of a knee injury but is back to fitness now and hoping for a chance to show he’s worthy of a new contract before the season’s out.

Anderson, 36, knows his fate is in the hands of McInnes who has blended a key central-defensive partnership with Mark Reynolds and Ash Taylor in his absence.

Now he hopes some involvement in the last four SPFL games of this campaign could boost his case for an extension before his contract expires next month.

Anderson said: “I have put a lot of thought into next season. Whether I will be a part of the squad or not will become a lot clearer over the next two or three weeks. I have loved having my time back at the club.

“I appreciate I have not played a lot this season but it will come down to a conversation I have with the manager. It will be a two-way dialogue because that’s how these things go.

“I’m fit again now. It has been a frustrating season, especially as the team have been doing so well. You want to be out on the pitch contributing.

“I’m finally back to the stage where I’m playing again. I have had one game for the Under-20s.

“Hopefully I can get some game time for the first team before the season finishes.”

(Image: Kenny Smith)

Anderson was speaking yesterday at Murcar Golf Links, within sight of Pittodrie, as he publicised the Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Matchplay Championship set to take place from July 30 to August 2.

It’s a cause close to Anderson’s heart as he, like many of the Pittodrie players and backroom staff, is a keen golfer and the links between the club and Lawrie have long been strong with the former Open winner a devoted fan of the Dons.

Anderson said: “It’s the best part of 20 years that I’ve been involved with Aberdeen Football Club and since I can remember Paul has been a huge supporter of the club.

“Anything we’ve asked him to do, even off his own back, he’s been great.

“It’s just nice to be here to repay some of the support that Paul has given the club.

“Not only the club but, on a personal level, me individually. We’ve known each other for quite a while now.

“All of the playing and non-playing staff will be here when this tournament comes around. The weekend of the event is over the first day of the SPFL season but, apart from game day, the players will be absolutely behind it 100 per cent.

“There is quite a golfing contingent in the changing room so there will be a lot of interest from the players.

“And the rest of the players will be here not only to support Paul but to see some of the best golfers in Europe playing against each other.”

READ: How Aberdeen hit the heights this season.