Murrayfield to welcome 7,000-strong Red Army

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has urged his players to focus on the game rather than the occasion but hopes to make today’s Murrayfield meeting with Hearts a day to remember for the 7,000-strong Red Army.

The Jambos are playing their next three home games at the rugby stadium while Tynecastle is being redeveloped.

Murrayfield, which holds 67,000, is likely to be around half-full for this afternoon’s encounter, with Craig Levein taking charge of the Gorgie side for the first time since replacing Ian Cathro last month.

It is the first time a domestic football match has been held at the stadium and Hearts have altered the Murrayfield pitch to mirror the Tynecastle playing surface dimensions.

The Dons had a request to train on the Murrayfield pitch the day before the match knocked back by Hearts this week.

McInnes said: “I have been to Murrayfield before, for a Scotland rugby game against England years ago.

“It is an unusual scenario and I have probably been asked more about the stadium than I have about the game.

“It is a unique situation and you can see that by the amount of supporters we are taking there. We have to focus on the game and concentrate on doing our jobs on the pitch.

“Obviously, it won’t have the same atmosphere as Tynecastle as the stadium is likely to be half-full but that doesn’t bother us.

“It is great to take so many supporters to a Hearts away game as tickets are normally at a premium.

“It is a good opportunity for everyone to say they were there on this day but we want to make it a winning memory for us. We hope to do that and continue our good run.”

Gary Mackay-Steven will be included in the Dons squad despite being treated for hypothermia following a late-night river plunge last month.

Defender Dom Ball could make his Dons debut after sealing his deadlineday loan switch from Rotherham.

Former Raith midfielder Ross Callachan and on-loan Genoa wide player Manuel Milinkovic have been added to the Hearts squad.