Norwich City loanee Emmanuel Adegboyega was involved in a dramatic last day Scottish Premiership victory for Dundee United that sealed European football.

Centre back Adegboyega was an unused substitute for a 2-1 comeback win over Aberdeen at Tannadice that saw Jim Goodwin’s side edge the Dons out of fourth spot, and clinch qualification for the Europa League next season.

The game was marred by an attack on Aberdeen full back Jack MacKenzie, who was hit by a chair ripped out of the away end as he left the pitch. 

MacKenzie needed treatment on the pitch by medical staff before he was led away with a bandaged head.

Tayside police have already launched an investigation to identify the individual. 

Adegboyega had missed the previous game at Rangers with a groin injury but was largely an ever-present in making 31 league appearances during a season long loan from Norwich.

The Canaries exercised a one year option last week to keep the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international at Carrow Road until 2026.

Adegboyega was not expected to feature, however, as part of Johannes Hoff Thorup’s first team set-up next season, and his Norwich prospects will now hinge on who City confirm as the Dane’s permanent successor.

The 21-year-old, who is yet to make a senior appearance for his parent club following his move from Drogheda in 2023, revealed in the build up he had an extra motivation after he missed out on European football at previous Irish club Dundalk.

“I was on the bench when they made Europe. I remember all the emotion and the banners when they got European football. It gives you a sense of what it means to a fanbase," he said, quoted in the Daily Record

“But I wasn't part of the squad, so I didn't really feel it. Now I can be part of a squad that can possibly achieve that. That's what I want to feel.

“I left before that European campaign. I had to go and seek first team football for myself, for my own development.

“I had to do what was best for myself and that's what I did at the time.”

Former Norwich academy graduate, Glen Middleton, set up Declan Gallagher to cancel out Jeppe Okkels’ first half strike, before top scorer Sam Dalby slotted a crucial penalty.

“People have questioned our character and questioned the players – talking about being on holiday too early and downing tools. I think this performance showed that was never the case,” Tangerines’ boss Goodwin told the Dundee Courier. “Today, the character was called into question again. At half-time, we were trailing and I thought the players were outstanding. They never stopped believing.

“It’s a fantastic way to finish off what’s been a really successful season. This is the beginning of a project that’s at the early stages, and for us to achieve what we’ve done in such a short period of time? I think it’s remarkable.”