BELLS ARE RINGING OUT FOR XMAS PLAY
Tommie delighted he’s fit enough to get a game this festive period
TOMMIE HOBAN is delighted this Christmas he can finally focus on football rather than the festivities.
The Aberdeen defender is not the bah humbug-type but his heartbreaking injury run means this will be the first Christmas in five years where it will be the league table rather than the kitchen one that remains his priority.
Hoban knows his family might not share his outlook but he hopes if Aberdeen can win at Kilmarnock tomorrow and at Motherwell in midweek it would be the perfect present for the expectant Red Army.
Hoban said: “Christmas will be very different. It has been about five years since I was last playing at Christmas. It might not be as good!
“No, I’m definitely happy to be playing at Christmas. It’s going to be different for everyone
“It will be a busier Christmas than normal but hopefully it will be a lot more enjoyable, especially if we can get the three points.”
The Dons got back to winning ways against Ross County and Hoban wants that to be built on at Rugby Park – a happy hunting ground in recent seasons.
The Dons are already in the top four but could go level with Celtic with a win and really push for a top-two spot over the busy winter period. Hoban added: “Naturally it’s been a much more positive place the last week but that’s normal after a win following a difficult couple of weeks for us.
“We’re looking to build on that now and put another run together like we did at the beginning of the season to make it a successful December.
“There are a lot of games and a lot of points up for grabs. It’s very tight between Celtic, Hibs and ourselves.
“Rangers have got away a bit but it’s a very c omp e t i t i v e league this year.
“Teams at the lower end of the league like St Mirren are on a good run themselves and there are teams who probably don’t deserve to be down there.
“They are putting up a real challenge to the teams at the top and it’s a real challenge.
“But we’re looking to build on
Saturday’s result against Ross County, solidify our position and have a good finish to the season.” The classy defender is now hoping he has put his injury problems behind him. Hoban has already played 19 games this season, more appearances than he had made at this stage over the previous six seasons. The former Watford defender said: “I’m delighted as I haven’t had this number of games together in about five years due to injuries. I’ m feeling good, fitter and stronger the more I play. “I’m just trying to keep it going and improve my performances on the pitch. “If I can help the team and get close to 30 or 40 games that would be brilliant as well. “I’m just trying to keep my feet on the ground and taking it one game at a time. I’m enjoying my football again and I hope to continue that.”