Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Dons wrap defenders in cotton wool after Devlin’s injury setback
ABERDEEN boss Derek McInnes admits the injury suffered by Mikey Devlin has put pressure on his defence during the pre-season build-up to facing Rangers.
Scotland international centre-back Devlin suffered a pulled hamstring in the 2-2 bounce game draw with Ross County at Cormack Park at the weekend.
Devlin is set to undergo scans to assess the extent of the injury but McInnes fears the defender could be out until the end of next month.
McInnes has just three fit senior centre-backs for the Premiership opener against Rangers on August 1 – Scott McKenna, Ash Taylor and Andy Considine.
McInnes said: “We have four centre-backs in the building, and we are one down now.
“It just puts a wee bit of pressure on your training and we need to make sure that we are not exposing any of the other ones to any other injuries. We are cautious but we still have to crack on with the work and make sure that the boys are ready for that first game.”
The pulled hamstring is the latest injury blow for Devlin who played for Scotland against Russia, San Marino and Cyprus last season.
While at former club Hamilton, Devlin suffered cruciate ligament damage that ruled him out for a whole season.
McInnes is confident the centre-back will bounce back quickly from the latest setback.
He said: “Mikey is a positive guy and he has been through the mill a few times with injuries in his career, so this isn’t anything new to him.
“He has that ability to set goals and get back.”
Striker Sam Cosgrove, who last week rejected a £2 million move to French Ligue 2 side Guingamp, has recovered from a back spasm problem.