Shinnie: Killiebid wasfutile
GRAEME SHINNIE insists Kilmarnock were wasting time with their mind games ahead of their Cup tie with Aberdeen – because the Reds are used to pressure.
The Ayrshire side had cranked up the heat on the Dons in the build-up to last week’s quater-final replay by saying winning mattered more to the Reds and that their season would be over if they lost.
But the Dons went through on penalties and Shinnie said: “Tuesday night was vital. We got through to the semi-final which was what we wanted.
“It was a game that was very important to them so they were obviously trying anything to upset us.
“At Aberdeen it is vital that we handle pressure. We were focused and it was a good week.”
Shinnie scored the winner against Dundee in Saturday’s 1-0 Premiership win – the Dons first league win in four games.
It moved them to within two points of Rangers in second with a game in hand and the 26 year-old said: “Tuesday was a good night and we wanted to replicate that by getting back to winning ways in the league.
“Now we need to keep winning and putting points on the board. With the results going our way this weekend, it was important we got all three points.
“The conditions weren’t great and Dundee played well but it was just a case of getting the three points to make sure we enjoyed the international break.”
Despite being banned for the semi after picking up a booking in the Killie game Shinnie is hopeful the Dons will see off Motherwell and that he can lead them out at Hampden for the second season running in the Scottish Cup final.
The Dons skipper, who lifted the Cup as Inverness captain in 2015 said: “It will be frustrating to miss the semi – I ended up getting booked in extra-time.
“I know the manager has spoken about it but surely when it goes to a replay and extra time there should be a bit more leeway.
“Hopefully the boys will get through.”