Del can’t tell best Dons’ XI
ABERDEEN legend Willie Miller insists they are being hindered by Derek McInnes not knowing his best XI.
The Pittodrie gaffer was handicapped by the loss of three key players for the Scottish Cup semi-final defeat by Motherwell with Graeme Shinnie, Kenny McLean and Shay Logan banned.
But Miller reckons the Dons’ season has been hampered by squad rotation and has told McInnes he must get his transfer dealings right in the summer.
He said: “Aberdeen must get the recruitment of players right in the summer to ensure they go into the new season with enthusiasm.
“McInnes not knowing his best starting 11 has been an issue this season and that is something that will hopefully change for the next campaign.
“I know squad rotation is in vogue in the modern game but for me if a team are playing well you keep that starting 11 and continuity. Aberdeen have not really done that this season.
“The centre-back partner for Scott BY FRASER WILSON McKenna has continually changed and the strikers are either Stevie May, Adam Rooney or a combination of the two.
“The wide area has not been occupied by consistent performers either. Finding that established starting 11 is what McInnes will be looking to achieve during the summer transfer window.”
Miller admitted he was stunned by the meek manner of Aberdeen’s cup exit at Hampden.
He slammed the performance saying it was “nervous at the back, lacked creativity in midfield and had no cutting edge in attack”.
The former captain, who won 12 honours with Aberdeen including the European Cup-Winners’ Cup in 1983, admits finishing second is now imperative.
Miller said: “All that remains is the fight for second yet Aberdeen’s record against the top-six teams has not been great this season.
“They will have to turn that around to secure a runners-up finish before a busy summer.”