Gers defeat no Cos for concern
On-fire Sam adamant there is still plenty to play for on two fronts despite Dons losing precious ground on the Old Firm
SAM COSGROVE insists Aberdeen are still eyeing a sizzling end to the season – despite their unbeaten streak against Rangers being scorched.
The Dons dropped five points behind second-placed Gers and 11 off pacesetters Celtic with Wednesday’s frustrating loss.
Cosgrove’s double in the Pittodrie dust-up was not enough to prevent an agonising and controversial 4-2 defeat.
However, the 22-year-old hitman says there is no doom and gloom around the squad after a first defeat in five headto-heads with the Light Blues.
Boss Derek McInnes was delighted with aspects of their display and his top marksman is adamant there is still plenty to fight for in the weeks ahead.
Aberdeen are plotting for a Scottish Cup quarter-final place when they host Championship Queen of the South on Sunday.
And with 13 games still to go in the flag battle, Cosgrove believes there are twists and turns to come as the Dons fight to qualify for Europe yet again.
He said: “Our initial thoughts are disappointment.
“Over the 90 minutes we at least deserved a point, especially in the second half they were backs against the wall.
“We tried to push for the goals to level and they have had one of those nights where all their shots have gone in. We just couldn’t find that cutting edge to draw level. It was two very evenly-matched sides going at it and we were both in it to win.
“It has been the staple of our side that we haven’t conceded a lot of goals but it was one of those nights where every shot has fallen for them and they’ve got their goals.
“We have stressed up to now it isn’t a title race yet and it still isn’t. There is a lot of football to be played and a lot of points to be won and lost, so we can still get up there.
“There are a lot of games coming thick and fast and it is a big game on Sunday because we want to get through.
“To still be in and around the top of the table, we are still in a good position going forward.
“We are still in the Scottish Cup and there is a lot to look forward to.”
It was an evening in which Cosgrove again underlined the massive strides he has made under McInnes as he made it 12 goals in 12 games. He now has 14 for the season and, having bagged the Premiership Player of the Month Award for December, is savouring his run. The Englishman had doubters after a stuttering start north of the border but McInnes showed admirable faith in the former Carlisle striker and it is being repaid in spades.
Cosgrove was cool with his first strike and clinical with his penalty, his bustling display in midweek even more impressive given he was struggling to make the contest with a dodgy back.
He said: “My back has been playing up but if I could play then I was always going to as it is not a fixture I wanted to miss out on.
“There are certain pressures in football but most players thrive under the pressure, especially the boys in our team.
“There were a number of boys who could have taken that penalty. But I’m feeling confident and wanted to see the ball hit the net. I just want to score as many goals as I can. It should be any striker’s aim to be the top scorer in the league, especially at a top club like Aberdeen where we’re always pushing most teams and scoring a lot of goals.
“I want to be the staple of that and get as many goals and as many points for my team as I can. I wouldn’t say I expected a (personal) turnaround but I always knew there was potential there. I’m not a superstitious guy but there are different fortunes you can get in football.
“Even for my first goal, those type of goals just didn’t fall for me at the start of the season.”
His rise has seen him lauded by the fans who, having clapped the Reds off after their Boxing Day loss to Celtic, did the same in midweek. Cosgrove said: “The support has never been in question. The fans turn up in their numbers home and away.”
We have stressed up to now it isn’t a title race yet and it still isn’t SAM COSGROVE STAYING COOL DESPITE DEFEAT