Reported Derby County and Middlesbrough target Sam Cosgrove was dropped by Aberdeen for their 3-1 victory at Hamilton after a terrible run of form.

The Dons entered the midweek clash having failed to score in five straight games.

Cosgrove has dominated the headlines at Pittodrie this season. The 23-year-old striker netted 20 goals before the New Year, matching a record dating back to the 70s.

(Photo by Scott Baxter/Getty Images).

His form reportedly attracted the attentions of Championship clubs in January.

The Evening Express claim Derby County, Middlesbrough and Stoke City had scouted him. The Sun (December 1; Page 62) say Aberdeen value him at £4 million.

Everything was looking good for Cosgrove, until the turn of the New Year.

Aberdeen went on a goalless run of five games. Manager Derek McInnes told reporters it was embarrassing and added Cosgrove just needed one to get back on track.

We are waiting for Sam Cosgrove to get up and running and sometimes it can be as simple as a penalty-kick to get him going again. If you don’t score in five games you deserve stick. I understand it. I am angry and embarrassed that we have not scored again for the fifth game in a row.

Sam Cosgrove has work to do to rediscover his top form:

But in the aftermath of his comments, McInnes dropped his striker at Hamilton.

Aberdeen went on to win the game 3-1 with all three of their goals coming in the opening 45 minutes. It looks like the decision to drop Cosgrove was justified.

Derby and Boro will likely keep tabs on the player’s progress ahead of the summer.

(Photo by Scott Baxter/Getty Images).

The Dons signed Cosgrove for a mere £25,000. They will be hopeful they can make a decent profit on him when the time comes to sell the former Everton academy man.

Also see: Reported injury update on Krystian Bielik is bad news for Derby County

Also see: Reported Derby target set for scoring record set by £11m ace Rams sold in 2017

 

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