Gaffer will miss getting a set-piece of Dante's mind

Clarkson praises Thelin for keeping Polvara involved

- SCOTT BURNS

DANTE POLVARA'S pending return will give the Aberdeen midfield a boost but Leighton Clarkson joked it will also cost boss Jimmy Thelin a set-piece specialist.

The US midfielder had looked impressive and had caught Thelin's eye before a cruel hamstring tear left him sidelined at the end of pre-season.

Polvara is expected to be pushing to get back into Thelin's first-team squad over the coming weeks.

The Swedish boss kept Polvara involved during rehabilitation by employing him as a set-piece specialist, alongside first-team coach Peter Leven.

Clarkson admitted his fellow midfielder took things seriously and a few of his plays have led to Aberdeen netting goals.

He said: "I've told Dante after his career, he can be our set-piece coach.