Finishing outside top two ‘embarrassing’ for Gers

Aberdeen: Pressure all on Ibrox men to claim second, insists boss Mcinnes

Aberdeen manager Derek Mcinnes reckons Rangers would be embarrassed to finish outside the top two.

But the Dons boss will be hugely disappointed not to secure a fourth consecutive runners-up spot.

Aberdeen have a one point lead over Rangers going into tonight’s Pittodrie meeting between the teams and victory would erase their opponents from the race for second, which also involves Neil Lennon’s Hibernian.

Mcinnes said: “Hopefully we can look back as the second best team in the country through our league form.

“We’ve been proud of that fact and ourselves and Hibs certainly would be hugely disappointed to come this close and not finish second.

“I think for Rangers it’s a bit more than that. With what they spend and the rest of it, it would be a bit more embarrassing not to finish second.

“But for us and Hibs, and certainly for our own sake, there would be huge disappointment if we don’t finish second.

“We’re not thinking that way. I’ve got it clear in my head we’re going to do what needs to be done to get the job done to finish second.

“As Neil Lennon said the other day it will feel like winning the league for them because we all feel at the minute we’re not in a league that we can win with the strength of Celtic.

“To be the next best team should be celebrated by clubs like ourselves and Hibs.

“We’ve enjoyed being the second best team the past few seasons and we’ve fought off a lot of good teams to be that and if we’re going to fight off the teams again we’re going to have to make sure we get the job done on Tuesday night.”

Mcinnes has urged his attacking players to produce on the big stage as they bid to reverse their fortunes against Rangers.

The Dons have suffered three defeats against the Govan side this season.

“We’ve got to make sure that we perform individually,” he said.

Dons winger Gary Mackay-steven will miss the clash after sustaining a knock while another wide player, Niall Mcginn, is a fitness doubt.

Midfielders Kenny Mclean and Chidi Nwakali are back in the squad.