AN Aberdeen player has tested positive for coronavirus, it has been confirmed.

A cluster of 79 coronavirus cases has forced First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to order a fresh round of restrictions in Aberdeen.

The cases have been linked to more than 20 bars and restaurants in the city.

Several Aberdeen FC players reportedly visited city centre hotspots over the weekend, sparking fears at the club.

The latest round of testing has confirmed that one player has tested positive for Covid-19.

Aberdeen are due to travel to Perth to play St Johnstone on Saturday and the confirmed case has prompted concerns that the new Scottish Premiership season could be thrown into chaos just two weeks in.

READ MORE: Aberdeen outbreak: 79 coronavirus cases confirmed in cluster

Top-flight clubs have been given an exemption which has allowed them to resume training and playing matches.

Under the terms of that exemption, players and team staff members are operating in a bubble and must undergo twice weekly testing to ensure any fresh outbreaks are swiftly caught and traced.

It comes after Scottish football's Joint Response Group said the match was due to go ahead as planned despite the Granite City being thrust back into lockdown.  

If the number of players that tests positive remains below two, the game is expected to get the go ahead.

Scottish Premiership clubs are required to send their test results to the SPFL 48 hours ahead of kick off, meaning Aberdeen and St Johnstone should know later today if the game will be played.

READ MORE: Coronavirus in Scotland: Another 67 people test positive for Covid-19

The new measures introduced by the First Minister saw pubs in Aberdeen ordered to shut as of 5pm on Wednesday, while residents have also been warned against making non-essential trips of more than five miles.

Sturgeon said urged people who have visited premises linked with the cluster to stay vigilant and aware of symptoms. If you have any symptoms, she said to “put yourself forward for testing and self-isolate immediately”.

The new cases linked to the Aberdeen cluster were announced as 67 people across Scotland tested positive for coronavirus over the last 24 hours.