Derek McInnes gave Aberdeen a pre-game boost by agreeing a new deal which will keep him at Pittodrie until 2022.

The Dons boss was about to enter the final year of his deal with the Scottish Premiership side but now he together with assistant Tony Docherty has put pen to paper on a new deal.

The news came as a boost to Dons fans hours before the players took to the field in their first game of the season, in the first qualifying round in the Europa League.

Aberdeen beat RoPS Rovaniemi 2-1 at home, with goals from Niall McGinn and Sam Cosgrove but they were rocked by a goal in injury time which gives the visitors hope ahead of the second leg in Finland next week.

However, Aberdeen have been boosted by the news that McInnes stays in charge with his new deal putting an end to speculation about his future. He turned down a move to Rangers two seasons ago and has been linked with other jobs since that time, notably Sunderland and the Scotland job.

He said: “I am delighted we have been able to agree new contracts with the club. “The staff, players and I are committed to trying to deliver success and build upon all we have achieved in the past six years.

“It’s no secret I love working for this club and I will strive to continue to try to create those special moments for our supporters. Working closely together, I believe this is possible.” Aberdeen finished fourth in the league table last season, putting to an end five successive second placed finishes.

Aberdeen start the new Scottish Premiership season at home to Hearts on August 3. The Dons are at 21.00 to win the Scottish Premiership title next season with Celtic 1.33 and Rangers 3.20.