PAYBACK TIME

McLean out to help Dons ditch ‘bottlers’ tag

THERE is only one way to silence the sniping. Only one appropriate response to all those whispers and moans about the Dons bottling it every time they see a light blue jersey.

Kenny McLean, hoping to mark his Pittodrie farewell with a victory for the ages tonight, agrees that this season’s record of three straight losses to Rangers has provided plenty of ammunition for the pseudo-psychologists and armchair analysts.

‘It’s been thrown at us a few times, that we have a mental block,’ said the Norwich-bound midfielder.

‘I don’t think it’s true. But I can see why people would say that.

‘I just think it’s been down to us not performing against Rangers on the day.

‘There have been other games, against other teams, when we’ve done that and still got the result.

‘We’ve not been good enough against Rangers. We know that.

‘But it’s excellent that we get this chance to put it right, in a game that is so meaningful.

‘There is no game bigger for us, in the league, than Rangers at Pittodrie.

‘And this one can really mean something to us and the fans, the club as a whole, because it could go a long way towards us finishing where we want to be this season.

‘It is surprising that we’ve not done better against Rangers. I feel we’re so much better than our results show.

‘It’s the performances that have been disappointing, more than anything.

‘The way we’ve started against Rangers has been poor, just giving them confidence from the start.

‘We’ve not done the things we know we can do. We’ve not brought our qualities to the game.

‘We’re going out for three points in this one. Nothing less.

‘Pittodrie will be packed, so we need to give the fans something to cheer about from the kick-off.

‘I think it’s excellent that we’ve got this opportunity to put it right — and this is the biggest one of them all.

‘There is no getting away from the performances and defeats we’ve had against Rangers.

‘But this will really make up for it because of the importance of the game. We’ll be ready for it.’

Victory for Aberdeen tonight would put them four points clear of Rangers with one game left.

Hibs could stay in the hunt for second going into the final weekend by beating Hearts at Tynecastle tomorrow night.

But the Dons would be strong favourites to finish as runners-up for the fourth consecutive season.

For McLean, who is on loan at Aberdeen after signing for Norwich in January, the chance to mark his final home game with a landmark win is just too tempting.

‘There wouldn’t be a better way to bow out of Pittodrie, I think, than by beating Rangers,’ said the former St Mirren midfielder.

‘But it’s all about the team, all about getting the three points we need to put us in a really strong position.

‘We’re looking to win both our remaining games and it’s still in our hands to do that, to finish in second place.

‘It’s been an excellent threeand-a-half years here, so it will be emotional for me.

‘I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here. I’ve grown as a person and improved as a player — and that’s what I wanted when I came here.

‘I wanted to take my game to the next level, which I think I have. I’ve set myself up nicely for a new chapter in my career.

‘I think I’ve improved every aspect of my game. I hadn’t really matured as a player when I arrived here.

‘My stats and my improvement would show that I’ve changed.

‘The last couple of seasons have been different. By this time, we’ve had second spot wrapped up.

‘But this is excellent for us — and excellent for the league. We’re playing in really meaningful games, the games you want to be involved in.’

McLean’s own performances have picked up after a dip towards the end of 2017, with uncertainty over his future the obvious cause.

‘Before Christmas, there was obviously pressure on because I was playing for my future,’ he admitted.

‘When I got that secure and sorted out, there was a bit of pressure taken off — and I’ve been able to play more freely.

‘The manager lets me do that and he has done since I arrived here.

‘Since I signed for Norwich, I don’t think there’s any doubt my performances have improved.

‘I think that’s because I’m really enjoying my football, the team are playing well — and it’s bringing the best out.

‘Am I trying to impress Norwich, as well? No doubt. There are people coming to watch me quite often.

‘There are loan managers at Norwich who I will speak to on a regular basis after games.

‘They will tell me how my game is and I will tell them how I feel I’ve done. That’s what I need to be doing.

‘It’s all about Aberdeen just now, though. All about getting the next two results.

‘But, at the same time, I need to be doing well for Aberdeen so I can impress Norwich.’