Personality and maturity shown by youngsters hailed by McInnes

Derek McInnes believes his Aberdeen squad has more personality and maturity than any group during his time at Pittodrie as he hailed his youngsters for coming of age during a daunting December.

McInnes was keen to point out that the Dons’ festive schedule was every bit as congested as that of the Old Firm, with the Reds playing nine games in 27 days – without the resources of the Glasgow giants.

Nevertheless, Aberdeen’s 2-1 triumph over Livingston on Saturday was their sixth Ladbrokes Premiership victory during that run, ensuring they will go into the winter break just three points behind the Hoops at the summit.

With the likes of Connor McLennan, Bruce Anderson, Scott Wright and Lewis Ferguson forced to sink or swim as McInnes utilised his full squad, the results have left him positive.

He said: “Everybody is talking about how Celtic and Rangers’ squads have been stretched in December. Rangers have had eight games, Celtic have had nine. We’ve had nine and are dealing with that without the numbers they have.

“We have been forced to dig deep with our squad as we had nine unavailable and this period has shown me that perhaps this group, more than any other group in my time here, have a bit more personality and maturity to go with the talent.”

Meanwhile, Livingston boss Gary Holt insists he is already eyeing reinforcements as he seeks to build on a fantastic first half of the season.

However, he is adamant any prospective signing will need to possess the hunger and desire that have made the Lions such a daunting proposition this term, particularly on their own patch.

“If anyone thinks they are coming here to be a passenger, they ain’t going to get signed,” he warned.