DONS defender Zander Diamond returned to training today and could be set to make a dramatic comeback in the Scottish Cup.
The centre-back had a medical check-up last week, and was given the go-ahead to return to action.
And Diamond could end his injury nightmare in Saturday's Scottish Cup tie-of-the-round between the Dons and Hearts on Saturday.
Aberdeen boss Mark McGhee said Diamond's long-awaited return to training was "a real boost".
Diamond has not featured for the Dons since the opening game of the season, due to a foot injury and regular nosebleeds following a clash of heads in training.
Meanwhile, last Saturday's matchwinner Charlie Mulgrew has reiterated his committment to the Dons despite his continued rejection of a new contract with the club.
The left-back has been free to talk to other clubs since the January transfer window opened, with Dundee the latest club to be linked with the dead-ball expert.
Mulgrew said: "I have spoken to the club about my contract situation a couple of times, but I want to put it to bed at the moment.
"Hopefully, I will speak to them again at some point in January.
"I am just concentrating on playing for Aberdeen FC just now and hopefully the fans see that."
