Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes says he is confident that the club will secure winger Niall McGinn on a new deal.

The Northern Irishman has become a key player since joining the Dons in 2012, netting over 50 goals for the club in 187 appearances.

And McInnes is optimistic that a deal to keep the former Celtic star at Pittodrie is not far away, following the midfielder's expressions of a desire to stay.

"Niall and I have spoken regularly," McInnes said. "And his comments were more really post-match after the game a few weeks ago.

"Niall came out and said that he was keen to stay, and that's music to my ears; music to everybody at the clubs' ears.

"We want Niall to stay, and the fact that he's declared that should make that task that bit more easier.

"We'll let the transfer window go there, we'll have a conversation with his representative and hopefully we can sit down and iron something out and get that done.

"If there's a willingness from Niall, there's definitely a willingness from us to get him here because he's been different class since he's been here and is such a key player.

"So hopefully we can get that done and it will be brilliant news."