McInnes has designs on securing European football for Aberdeen
DEREK McInnes would not have wanted an important Ladbrokes Premiership fixture against Celtic on Saturday to be sandwiched by two crucial cup-ties against Rangers, but that’s how it has worked out,
The Aberdeen manager still has an eye on featuring in the Europa league qualifiers, as he has done in five of the six seasons he has been at Pittodrie, and a positive result against leaders the Hoops on their own patch would go a long way to feeding that aim.
The Dons’ 1-1 draw in the William Hill Scottish Cup quarterfinal against the Light Blues last weekend means they have a re-run in Govan next Tuesday as their fans point to their better form away from home this season as a hopeful sign.
“When we go into the league we have always tried to be as competitive as possible,” McInnes said. “Our first port of call is to get European football. We try to get that as quickly as possible and we can see where we are from there.
“We are a few points worse off than where we normally are at this stage in the season and while we look too far away from the teams above us now, you never give it up. You keep going but I have said often enough that our fight is with ourselves.
“We just need to keep working away and keep picking up points and then once we get to the 30 game-mark or the split, you see where you are and what you can do.
“We need to be a bit more convincing at home because if we had replicated our away form in the league that would have put us right up there.”
McInnes has recruited free agent Greg Halford to help ease defensive concerns brought about by injuries to key players like Shay Logan and Tommie Hoban.
Halford, 34, has been around the block a few times, with five years at Colchester and spells at clubs like Sunderland, Portsmouth, Nottingham Forest and Cardiff City, and while a recognised right-back, he can play in other positions.
“Greg has great experience and confidence in himself,” McInnes said, “and there is no doubt he has had a great career.
“He has got the experience, nous and know-how if called upon. I am delighted to get him in. He gives us a bit of comfort because we are really short of defenders.”
He revealed he tried to sign the player when in charge at Bristol City between 2001 and 2013 but the move fell through.
“We got done a bit on the money a wee bit from Nottingham Forest,” he said. “These things happen but he has always been attractive to managers because of his attributes. He has the size, which is important in the English Championship.”