Gary Mackay-Steven leaves Celtic for Aberdeen on two-year deal

Image: Gary Mackay-Steven arrives at Pittodrie ahead of the Europa League tie on Thursday

Aberdeen have signed Gary Mackay-Steven from Celtic.

The winger has signed a two-year Dons contract, ending a two-and-a-half-year spell in Parkhead, where he won three successive Scottish Premiership titles.

The 26-year-old - capped once by Scotland - is Derek McInnes' fifth summer signing following deals for Greg Tansey, Ryan Christie, Greg Stewart and Nicky Maynard.

McInnes is delighted to have acquired someone he feels can compensate for the loss of two widemen from last season's squad - namely Jonny Hayes and Niall McGinn.

The Dons boss said: "What Gary has got in his favour is that confidence, that ability to go past people, the ability to play both sides as well - he can play on the left and the right.

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Image: Mackay-Steven's ability to operate on both flanks will be a key asset, according to McInnes

"We have different types of players who can play in the wider areas and do their work in between the lines but we feel Gary being a ball carrier is a big asset.

"I think the Aberdeen fans have been used to having that type of player. I think at home especially when teams come and sit in against us, we need that piece of individual brilliance at times and I think Gary is that type of player.

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"Both Niall and Jonny were hugely influential and we hope Gary can be something similar. I really believe he can be."

He will be available for Thursday's Europa League qualifier against NK Siroki Brijeg.

Mackay-Steven, a January 2015 arrival from Dundee United, scored 10 goals in 62 Celtic appearances.

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