ABERDEEN legend Willie Miller says that current Pittodrie captain Graeme Shinnie is every bit as important to his side as Scott Brown is to Celtic, but admits he may move on from the club as he gets set to make the biggest decision of his career.

Miller is a huge fan of Shinnie, who bagged a double in the weekend win over St Johnstone, and recognises the midfielder as a great leader.

But he says it is important that Aberdeen fans are patient as their skipper decides whether to take up the offer of a new contract with the Dons or look to move on and progress his career elsewhere.

“I think he is a great example of someone who can play the physical side of the game, close opposition players down and make challenges, but is able to control it as well,” Miller said.

“He scored two goals and is such an important player for Aberdeen. If he is not playing in the Graeme Shinnie style, then I don’t think Aberdeen are the same team.

“He knows how to sit on top of it when he needs to, without taking away the physical aspect.

“He is the captain, the guy who leads the team by example. His energy is magnificent. He goes and hunts down the ball.

“Scott Brown is a little bit different in that respect because of his age and the way he has to play now. But as much as Scott Brown is important to Celtic, Graeme Shinnie is just the same for Aberdeen.

“He’s obviously got a big decision, and he has got to make the decision that is right for Graeme Shinnie. This will probably be his last chance to make that decision, so if he feels it is right for him to go down south then so be it.

“I’m sure that the Aberdeen fans will be hoping desperately that he doesn’t make that decision and he decides to stay and sign a new contract.

“I know that Aberdeen have offered him quite a substantial contract and Derek McInnes will be desperate for him to stay.

“He needs time and space to make that decision.”

Miller is excited by the prospect of this weekend’s Scottish Cup tie between Aberdeen and Rangers at Pittodrie after the recent explosive match in the Premiership where the visitors ultimately triumphed.

The home side were a little put out by the scale of the Rangers celebrations afterwards, but Miller believes that should simply serve to spur Aberdeen on this time around.

“As far as I’m concerned, when I was a player or manager, the whole reason for competing was to win a tie,” he said. “After you win the tie, celebrate as loud as you want.

“From an Aberdeen point of view, they have to make sure it is them who are celebrating rather than the opposition. I didn’t have to experience it too many times, but it never bothered me that the opposition celebrated if they turned you over.

“I think it shows you as well what it means to Rangers to overcome Aberdeen. The stature of Aberdeen is of such an extent that they have maybe over-celebrated when they have won. In a way it is a back-handed compliment.

“I think there is always an edge when you put Aberdeen and Rangers together. And I don’t see anything wrong with that.

“They are teams of the highest level, performing well in the league week in and week out. Realistically, this is a trophy that both probably still have an opportunity to lift.

“That gives this one an edge. But you hope players are not sent off or misbehave because a lot of very talented players will be on the pitch, and that after we are talking about football and not major incidents.”