Lyall Cameron admits he arrived in Aberdeen expecting “a reaction” from the Pittodrie support, knowing full well that rivalry between the clubs meant his loan signing from Rangers would be met with hostility.
That sentiment was underlined with a banner that was unfurled before Aberdeen’s Scottish Cup tie against Raith Rovers on Sunday that read “No Old Firm loans”.
Just 83 minutes later, Cameron was being substituted to warm applause from the Pittodrie faithful, having set up the only goal of the game and put in a performance that would have him named as player of the match.
It was from the 23-year-old’s corner that Jack Milne had bundled in the only goal of the game and sent the holders into the last 16.
But, as well as delivering dangerous set pieces, Cameron was an energetic presence in midfield with an eye for a forward pass and a willingness to get involved and try to make a difference.
That did not go unnoticed by a support that has not had much to get excited about in recent months.
Cameron moved to Ibrox in the summer after impressing for Dundee but only made 10 appearances in the first half of the season.
When signing for Aberdeen, he had spoken about “reminding people” of what he can do – and he made a good start against Raith Rovers.
Interim manager Peter Leven said Cameron had demonstrated real quality straight away in an “excellent” performance and believes “he will get better”, while the midfielder himself said he still had to “dust off the cobwebs”.
BBC Scotland pundit James McFadden believes the deal looks to be a good one for both club and player and says Cameron’s determination to make the move, knowing he would get flak, is a good sign.
“The fact he’s opted to make that move knowing fine well what comes with it tells you a lot about his character,” McFadden said.
“You know he’s a quality player, we know he’s got a good attitude and he’s reinforcing that with the decision he’s made to go and join Aberdeen.
“He’s got great timing in his runs into the box and he is a goal threat, he’s shown that before. He’s brave and he will take the ball and try the difficult thing.
“If you’re struggling as a team then a freshness, a good player who is going to be brave and demand that he gets the ball and create and bring his team-mates into play… I think he’s a brilliant signing for Aberdeen.”
All parties are hoping that Cameron can show the form that earned him a move to Ibrox in the first place.
His 14 goals and nine assists in the league last season show what a benefit that level of performance would be to Aberdeen as they look to climb the table.
A key role in the cup win over Rovers is only a small start in that direction, but if Cameron continues as he started, even the most begrudging of Aberdeen fans might be won over.
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