Gary Mackay-Steven has key role to play for Aberdeen before any US move is confirmed

Derek McInnes last night challenged Gary Mackay-Steven to make himself available for Aberdeen’s final European push.

But the Dons boss admits that any contribution the wide man may make to the third-place-chasing Reds cause could be his last.

Mackay-Steven was linked with a move to MLS side New York City in the January transfer window, only for the Dons to knock back a bid from the Big Apple outfit.

Stateside interest in the 28-year-old, who has not made an appearance for Aberdeen since March 3, has not cooled, leading his manager to conclude he is likely to depart.

But McInnes wants him to do the Dons one last turn before he jets off, by helping them secure a Europa League spot.

“Gary will hopefully step up his training this week,” said McInnes.

“You see what can be done on Friday night with Graeme Shinnie going out there at probably 60%.

“If Gary can make himself available next week, maybe he could make the difference between us being in Europe or not.

“I don’t know where we stand with him on his future.

“He’s got an offer from MLS and it’s a very good offer if the figures I’ve been told are correct. I’ve got no need to doubt that.

“He’s told me that we’re still an option, but he’s got a lot to consider, and I think you can safely say when it gets to this stage of the season you’re normally preparing for life without him – and we are.

“We’re in negotiations to bring in a wide player at the minute – close to maybe agreeing something – and we’re looking to implement our plans for next season with a few signings over the next few weeks.”

The loss this summer of yet another influential star in Graeme Shinnie means it’s likely a number of signings will come once again from the loan market.

Given the choice, McInnes would prefer to recruit on a permanent basis.

But he insists the difficulties of replacing men with the quality of his captain – and that of previous departures like Ryan Jack, Kenny McLean and Jonny Hayes – leave him with no choice.

“We need to use the loan market,” he said. “People say we should buy our own players, but we don’t have the money to buy our own players.

“The likes of Danny Ward, Michael Hector, Ryan Christie, James Maddison, Max Lowe… these boys are all earning more than my club can pay. So the loan market helps us bridge that gap.

“I think the Premiership here encompasses all four leagues in England in a way. You’ve got Rangers and Celtic, who are like your Premier League teams.

“You’ve got ourselves Hibs and Hearts who, in terms of size of club, are maybe middle to bottom Championship.

“Then you’ve got League One and League Two-sized clubs.

“So when you sell the story to a player, you can say he’ll deal with the pressure of winning games you’re expected to win – dealing with expectancy.

“There’s a chance to play in Europe, but also the chance to play as an underdog against big teams, so I think we can give players an all-round experience.”

Asked if Derby County loanee Lowe could be in line for a return next season, McInnes said: “Max is a fans favourite here. His performances speak for themselves.

“He has matured for me from the beginning of the season to now and I would like to keep him, but it’s Derby’s call.”

Shinnie, too, has had positive conversations with Derby in recent months.

He will join up at Pride Park in time for pre-season and he is relishing linking up with Rams gaffer Frank Lampard.

“Everyone knows what type of player he was, playing in a similar sort of position to me but scoring an awful lot more goals!” said Shinnie.

“But I’m excited to work under him. I might be getting older but you never stop learning – it’s a different challenge and experience, and I’m looking forward to it.

“Every manager is different, from Terry Butcher to Yogi Hughes to Derek McInnes, they’ve all had different styles, and I imagine Frank Lampard will have his own ways as well. I’m looking forward to the work.”