BIG spending Cardiff City have renewed their interest in Aberdeen striker Darren Mackie following his starring role in last Saturday's match at Livingston.

Mackie scored twice as the Dons fought back from two goals down to claim a point at Almondvale and his performance has put him back under the spotlight.

The 19-year-old was watched by the Welsh club last season, with Spurs also showing an interest in Mackie as he established himself in the Dons team. His latest goalscoring exploits have alerted the Ninian Park outfit again.

Cardiff plan to send a scout to Aberdeen's match against Dunfermline at Pittodrie on Saturday.

Mackie signed a new three-year contract with the Dons during the summer and is settled at the club but that wouldn't deter Cardiff.

Backed by former Wimbledon owner Sam Hammam, they have demonstrated their ambition already this year by paying Stoke City £1million for Graham Kavanagh and £1.2million for Peter Thorne.

Manager Alan Cork is also no stranger to the Scottish market having bought Livingston keeper Neil Alexander for £300,000 earlier this year. Former Dundee United defender Scott McCulloch is also in his squad.

Cardiff are currently languishing in the bottom half of the English Second Division but Hammam has ambitious plans to make the club a major force and is prepared to back his manager in the transfer market.