91Èȱ¬

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes reckons the extension of Niall McGinn's contract will help persuade other signing targets to join the Dons.

McGinn's deal now runs until 2016 and McInnes hopes to add new faces soon.

"Niall McGinn re-signing yesterday was a huge boost for myself, our support and his team-mates," said McInnes after Aberdeen drew 1-1 with Hearts.

"It sends out a real positive statement and hopefully that'll help as I try to bring a few players here."

On Monday, Aberdeen announced 11 players would be released at the end of the season, including first-team players like Gavin Rae, Rory Fallon, Isaac Osbourne, Gary Naysmith, Scott Vernon and Stephen Hughes.

At Pittodrie on Saturday, Hearts goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald was on fine form to deny several Dons chance in the first-half.

The hosts were made to pay when Ryan Stevenson's header put Gary Locke's side ahead midway through the second half.

But Hearts captain Jamie Hamill put the ball into his own goal when trying to clear an excellent Jonny Hayes delivery.

"For an end of season fixture I thought both teams served up a real passionate, energetic performance," McInnes told 91Èȱ¬ Radio Scotland.

"I felt we were the better team. We came out the traps brilliantly and passed up lots of opportunities. But you've got to credit Hearts as well.

"There was a couple of boys leaving here today; Gavin Rae and Isaac Osbourne. But you wouldn't have known it.

"Not for a minute did they think of themselves, it was all about the result."

Aberdeen's point meant they finished eighth in the Scottish Premier League.