Whelan trains with Dons

Striker Noel Whelan has returned to Aberdeen in a bid to maintain his fitness levels.

The 31-year-old has rejected a possible short-term deal at Livingston even though there is no contract offer from the Dons.

The ex-Coventry and Leeds forward was released by Aberdeen in the summer after just one season at the club.

But Pittodrie boss Jimmy Calderwood insists he will not be turning to the free agent to ease his striking headache after playing midfielder Scott Severin up front at Celtic on Saturday.

He told The Press and Journal: “I have spoken to Noel and he has decided not to accept the offer from Livingston.

“We’ve agreed he can come and train with us, but there is no contract on offer.

“It will be a massive lift for everyone in the dressing room because he was a big influence when he was with us last season.

“I’m looking forward to having him around. It will be nice to see his mischievous smile again.”

He added: “Noel’s girlfriend lives up here and he’s looking for training facilities. There’s nothing more to it than that.

“I was speaking to Gordon Strachan about him on Saturday, who had him in his team at Coventry, and I think he’s made a similar offer for Noel to keep fit with his squad.

“There’s no doubt we have missed his bubbly character since he’s been away, so from that point of view it will be good for us to have him with us.”