McInnes happy to be on the level

DEREK McINNES admits he is delighted Aberdeen are going into next Wednesday’s top-of-the table clash with Celtic level on points.

Gary Mackay-Steven’s first-half strike was enough to secure the spoils at Hibs on Saturday and the Dons only trail the reigning champions on goal difference ahead of the eagerly-awaited televised showdown.

The Pittodrie club lost all six matches to the Hoops last season, including agonising defeats in the League Cup and Scottish Cup finals, but McInnes is hoping his side can rectify their recent head-to-head record.

He said: “We mentioned it before the game that we wanted to go into the Celtic game at least level with them. To do that, we had to win against Hibs”

McInnes, meanwhile, has urged his fringe players to take note of Mackay-Steven’s recall to the team at Easter Road after describing how the former Celtic playmaker has shone in training.

Mackay-Steven made only his third league start of the season in Edinburgh.

McInnes added: ““The international break came at a good time for him as well, a chance to rest up. He came into the game confident off the back of a fantastic week’s training.

“When we were looking to bring in more pace, it was Gary’s training that got him picked and it’s reminder to all the players that you can play your way into the game through training and he did that.”