Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes hopes Tommie Hoban would consider returning to Pittodrie after he has recovered from his injury.

Hoban, who was on loan from Watford at the Dons, had his season cut short by a cruciate ligament injury earlier this month.

The 25-year-old has returned to Watford for rehabilitation and will soon undergo surgery.

However, the defender's contract expires this summer and he could find himself without a club and McInnes said he would welcome him back.

Speaking to the Aberdeen Evening Express, he said: "We will be here for Tommie when he comes back from this injury.

“We would give him every support to come back and play if that was his choice.

“I don’t know what Tommie’s plans are or what Watford’s plans are for him. But Tommie is certainly someone we have enjoyed working with.

“Although we haven’t had him fully fit for a long period of time he has certainly impressed us all with how dedicated he is and with his performances on the pitch and in training.

“Tommie will go and get the operation and Watford will pick it up from there.

“However, there will always be a place for him once he’s back up and running if there’s an option to do so.”

Hoban's current injury is just the latest in a long line of setbacks, including an Achilles problem, a dislocated shoulder and an injury to his other cruciate ligament.

McInnes said he felt "heart sorry" for the player, who he says does not take football for granted.

He said: “Good things should happen to good people, especially someone as committed as Tommie.

"I have come across a lot of boys while a player and as a manager where you need to question their commitment, how much they want it and if they take it for granted sometimes.

“Then you have a boy like Tommie who absolutely dedicates himself to being a footballer and lives his life right.

“He is in the gym an hour before we are set to train just getting himself ready to go out and work.

“He trains at a high standard every day and gets everything from it.

“These are the boys you feel heart sorry for the most. Tommie could not do any more, which is why it is particularly galling he has now picked up another serious injury.”

Watford head coach Javi Gracia has previously said the club will support Hoban in any way they could.

He said: “I’m very sorry for Tommie because he is a very good professional with a great attitude.

“Now it’s a very difficult moment for him, but we will be here to try to help him.”