North Wales ace Ryan Hedges ruled out for rest of SPL season after injury

Aberdeen’s North Walian midfielder Ryan Hedges is set to be ruled out for the rest of the season with a serious injury that will require surgery

Flint man Hedges was taken off early in the 2-0 Scottish Premiership loss to Livingston on Tuesday.

The loss of the Welsh international, one of the top performers for the Pittodrie outfit this season, is a major blow to Aberdeen’s bid for European qualification.

Manager Derek McInnes confirmed Hedges had ruptured his pectoral muscle off the bone and will undergo surgery in Manchester.

The former Hawarden High School pupil spent seven years at Everton before impressing for Flint Town United in the Cymru Alliance in 2012-13.

Hedges spent four years at Swansea City from 2013-17 but did not make a first-team appearance. However, he did have impressive loan spells at Leyton Orient, Stevenage and Yeovil Town which led to a permanent two-year deal at Championship club Barnsley in 2017.

He was offered a new contract at Oakwell at the end of 2018-19, but instead made a three-year commitment to Aberdeen.

On 27 August 2020, he scored a hat-trick as The Dons won 6–0 at home against NSÍ Runavík in the Europa League first qualifying round, having only come on as a half-time substitute.

A former Welsh Schools under-18 captain, Hedges has also represented his country at U-19 and U-21 level, then made his debut for the senior side in November 2017 as a substitute during a 1-1 draw with Panama.

Former club Flint Town United passed on their best wishes to Ryan on social media after hearing of his injury.

The Silkmen Tweeted: “Best wishes to @RyanHedges95 from all at @FlintTownFC for his comeback after suffering a pectoral muscle injury. Hope the surgery goes well and you’re back playing again soon.”