Dylan McGeouch offers a candid verdict on his form since leaving Sunderland and has this parting message

The Scottish midfielder left the Stadium of Light in January having fallen down the pecking order under Phil Parkinson, with long-term admirer Derek McInnes acting quickly to take the 27-year-old to Pittodire.

McGeouch has made nine appearances since returning north of the border, but admits he is yet to hit his peak having spent several weeks aiming to build-up match fitness.

But the former Hibernian man is taking confidence from his starring role against the Easter Road side prior to the SPFL season being suspended, as he helped the Dons to a 3-1 over Hibs – managed by the man who signed him for Sunderland, Jack Ross.

“I would say that game against Hibs was my best for Aberdeen and hopefully that is the level I can not just maintain but go even better,” said McGeouch, speaking to Aberdeen’s official website.

“I didn’t play much before I came up to Aberdeen so the start of it was trying to get fitness.

“To start with it was three games a week and it was just a case of trying to get through them while building fitness.

“It was a balance between trying to play every game and trying to protect me as well.

“It is fine lines, but I was available for every game leading up to the shutdown.

“Once the shutdown is all done my fitness will be at a better level and I will be in a better place and settled with the family.

“Performances from me can be better and I know I can do that.”

While things didn’t quite work out for McGeouch on Wearside, he holds no ill-feeling towards Sunderland – and had a parting message for supporters.

“Sunderland are a Premier League club. They have been there, but they have had a bad few years and find themselves in League 1.

“They are so passionate and know where they want to be so it is even tougher when you don’t achieve what you want to.

“Sunderland have a massive fanbase who follow them everywhere.

“I am sure they will get back where they should be.”