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Manneh might still only be 21, but this is his fourth season, he’s played almost 100 MLS games, and people are still debating whether he’ll be a star or a bust — often in the same game.

As for the Canadians who’ve come through the residency program, Kianz Froese and Marco Bustos are clearly bright and unique talents, but we’ve not seen enough of them at the pro level to make sweeping statements. Sam Adekugbe has struggled in limited MLS minutes since a positive start to 2015.

Meanwhile, Aird has come in, had a stinker in his MLS opener, and then grown by leaps and bounds every week. He was one of the best players on the field in Saturday’s 2-1 win over the Portland Timbers, even though he didn’t look good on the opening goal.

He’s playing with confidence, enthusiasm and fearlessness, and he’s embraced the challenge of learning a new position (right-back) as if he’s cramming for a final exam.

Aired capped off Saturday’s game with a near end-to-end dribble, as if he was Bobby Orr with a soccer ball.

“To be fair, I almost stopped breathing at the end, I was so tired,” Aird said with a laugh. “I just tried to get the boys up the park as quick as I could and I won us a corner and the game was pretty much done after that. That’s what I’m good at. I’m good at bringing the ball up the park — and, as well, as I’ve got a lot better at defending.”

That sense of humour and honesty in his interviews has also endeared him to fans and media alike. But mostly it’s been about his play — positive, aggressive, unafraid of mistakes. He’s also got that rambunctious puppy quality about him, which has something to do with his age and personality, and also perhaps reflects his last few months in Glasgow.