Aberdeen boss Jimmy Calderwood admits he has a big decision to make on Jamie Smith's future.
Midfielder waits on deal decision, Diamond ruled out
Aberdeen boss Jimmy Calderwood admits he has a big decision to make on Jamie Smith's future.
Injury-plagued midfielder Smith has been given until the end of the season to win a new deal, with his current contract due to expire in the summer.
Smith suffered a new injury blow against former club Celtic at the weekend to cast doubts over his long-term future at Pittodrie.
The 28-year-old has been restricted to 11 starts this season due to injury and Calderwood must now decide if he should offer the player a fresh contract.
"Jamie has been back for half-a-dozen games now and I feel for him. He has worked so hard to get himself fit again," said Calderwood.
"If it is three weeks he might only have two games left. He has nothing to prove to me in terms of his ability, but we will sit down with him at the end of the season and make a decision.
"Everybody wants Jamie Smith to stay here as there are no doubts about his quality, but we have to assess his situation.
"I don't think it will be a long-term injury, but you need your best players available regularly.
"It is one of the hardest decisions I will have to make, but that's what I'm paid for."
Blow
Meanwhile, Dons defender Zander Diamond is set to miss the rest of the season through injury.
Diamond was forced off against Celtic with an ankle problem and Aberdeen are planning to send him to an expert to get to the bottom of the injury.
"Zander is seeing the specialist and I expect to have it confirmed his season is finished," added Calderwood.
"His ankle has been affecting his performances and games are hard enough without a player worrying if he is going to injure himself every time he over stretches himself."
