Jack MacKenzie signed a new two-year contract extension on Monday. He spoke to Red Matchday Magazine this week:

“I am over the moon to get it done because I love playing for Aberdeen. I have been here since I was nine years old. It was a very proud moment making my debut against Dundee United and it is even better to sign the new deal.

“My family were so happy. Having been at the club for so long, it was a very proud moment for them as well.

“It has been a very unsettling time for everyone this past year, and that includes young footballers. There were a lot of players let go at the end of last season by clubs up and down the country so you always think could that be me this year.

“But you can’t let that worry or affect you. It is about getting your head down and working as hard as you can. It has been tough for the young boys who have not been able to play games so getting out on loan was very important, that is what you need to do.

“I loved my time at Forfar.

“It is a great club, some great people there. I have learned a lot from the management team. Stuart Malcolm the manager was very good with me. I think they are in a false position in the table at the moment. They were decimated by injuries. For example, I played alongside Steven Anderson for about 15 minutes at the start of the season before he did his Achilles. He is obviously a good player with a lot of experience. It was a blow to me personally because even although it was only 15 minutes, I learned a lot off him, so I can only imagine what it would have been like with him for half a season.

“It was tough at times, some of the games we were on the back foot and we had to defend for long spells but then again you don’t want to go on loan and be on easy street. You want to be tested.

“The big difference was the intensity and the will to win. In development games, yes of course you want to win, but it is more about how you play. In league football there are league positions and win bonuses on the line. You have to fight and scarp for every single point. There is a real determination from every player. Going on loan has benefited me heaps and it has benefited other players in the past. It does toughen you up and you learn when to play and when not to play.

“I can’t speak highly enough about Forfar and my time there.

“I was gutted when the League One season got postponed. I came back to Aberdeen, but I was still on loan, so I was not available to play in games. After a few training sessions the club decided they wanted to call me back. That was obviously a positive, but I thought I would just be here as cover. but then I got my opportunity last weekend.

“I played a bounce game against Ross County, in fact the day after Derek and Tony left the club. Like everyone I was sorry to see them go as they had done a lot for this football club. It was a strange feeling and a bit of a nothing game, but you have to treat all these games as if it is your last. You have to take every opportunity you are given. I played quite well and obviously did enough to impress.

“I found out on the Friday that I was playing against Dundee United.

“There was a feeling of real excitement and I could not wait to get out there. I was probably more nervous on the Friday night, but you just have to treat it as a normal game. You have to try and not let the occasion get to you or you can’t perform. When the actual game starts, you are focussing so much and concentrating so hard that the nerves disappear.

“I felt I did ok on my debut. At the start you want your first couple of touches to be ok so you can get on the ball. But I was disappointed with the goal. It is something I will learn from and next time I will be a bit more streetwise.

“Andy and Joe helped me by speaking to me throughout the whole game. They gave me praises when I needed it and constructive criticism when I needed it! it is a dream to play alongside someone like Andy because he is so experienced and so calm and communicates really well. There is not a better player to play next to.

“I will also be grateful to Paul Sheerin for giving me my debut. Paul has been a massive influence on my career. He has been really good to me since the very first day I came in as a full time professional four years ago. I owe a lot to him and the coaching he has given me and the way he has treated me.

“When you make your debut you just want more. I am desperate for the next game to come along. So, the international break probably came at the wrong time for me, I will have to wait a while longer.

“As a young player at the club, you do take notice of what the new manager is saying about giving young players a chance and the strategy the club are pushing. You have to take confidence from that. You say to yourself ‘I want to be that young player that is getting the call up on a regular basis.’

“I think all the young players are really excited about the future.

“Before then though, I am just focussed on trying to play as many games as I can between now and the end of the season. Every opportunity I get I have to try and grab. I have to go out and play without any fear and try to enjoy it.”

RedTV | Jack Q&A please click here

Red Matchday | there will be an in-depth interview with Jack in the next edition.