'His word was strong' - Aberdeen boss delighted Matty Kennedy did not have head swayed by Hearts

St Johnstone winger Matty Kenendy has signed a pre-contract with Aberdeen. Pic: SNS

Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes was pleased Matty Kennedy kept resolute in his desire to join the Dons.

The Pittodrie club announced on Wednesday night that the St Johnstone midfielder had signed a pre-contract to join the Granite City men on a three-year deal in the summer.

Hearts had also registered their interest in the 25-year-old but McInnes was happy to be able to look forward to Kennedy's arrival in the summer.

Ahead of the William Hill Scottish Cup fourth round tie against Dumbarton at Pittodrie on Saturday, he said: "It is done, we have kept St Johnstone up to speed the whole way along and we look forward to it. I am delighted we have got him.

"Obviously we weren't the only club in town trying to get him, he had other options.

"But having spoken to Matty, I felt the conversation we had with him was two-way, how keen he was to come here and how keen I was to get him here and thankfully his word was strong, as was ours, and we have got him with us and we look forward to picking that up in the summer."