The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Ferguson gives Considine high praise for work ethic
He is the quiet man of Pittodrie but Andy Considine’s contribution in his club’s time of need has not gone unnoticed at Aberdeen.
Midfielder Lewis Ferguson believes his 32- year-old team-mate’s experience has been of critical importance during the club’s current injury crisis.
Injuries to Scott Mckenna, Ash Taylor, Craig Bryson and Funso Ojo have robbed the Dons of key campaigners ahead of one of their most important matches of the season, tonight’s Betfred Cup quarter-final at Hearts.
Ferguson said: “Andy is always there, he’s an experienced head and a good player who always gives a steady performance. I don’t think he gets talked about as much as he should considering he plays every game. He’s still fit, in great nick and is always winning his battles and keeping it simple. He’s an all-round good defender.
“I wasn’t playing at Dundee but Andy popped up in the opposition box to score a crucial goal and did it again at Livingston on Saturday. We work on our set-plays through the week and try to isolate areas to let the likes of Andy go and attack the ball and he does his job well.
“It’s unheard of in this day and age for players to play so many games for one club but he is a top player and very experienced. He always puts in a good performance and does the right things.
“He’s had so many games under his belt and the experience he has is second to none. I was only five when he made his first-team debut here.
“With the injuries we’ve had this season it has been difficult for the squad. It’s not just a few players here and there, it has been big players and it has been difficult on the team so to have someone with his experience ensures the spine of the team is always good.”
For Ferguson, tonight’s match at Tynecastle represents a chance to earn a return to the National Stadium, a venue which has brought him memorable moments both good and bad.
He scored the winning goal in the semi-final against Rangers last season only to end up with a runners-up medal following defeat in the final to Celtic.
The 20 year-old is eager to secure a return.
He said: “Cup runs are massive for this club. Tynecastle is a tough place to go but big games like this when there is a lot at stake are what you want to be involved in as a player.
“I’d love to get back to Hampden, back in the games on the big stage. There have been a lot of highs and a few lows in my time here and the cup final last year was one of the lows.”
● Kilmarnock manager Angelo Alessio has sympathy for under-fire Hibernian boss Paul Heckingbottom.
Alessio admits, however, that sympathy only stretches so far as he can only focus on knocking Hibs out of the Betfred Cup and taking Kilmarnock to their first semi-final in seven years.
Pressure has been piled on Heckingbottom following the Easter Road outfit’s disappointing start to the league campaign, with a small section of fans demanding his dismissal following Sunday’s Edinburgh derby defeat to Hearts. Hibs have lost three games in a row and have managed just one win in their last 10 league outings.
Alessio said: “Of course, I sympathise with him (Heckingbottom) but my focus is only for my team.
“I understand this situation but every manager is under pressure for results.
“Now it is important for us to show the right attitude because Hibernian come here very angry after losing the game against Hearts and because they have lost three games in this period. So our focus, our motivation is very important.
Kilmarnock beat Hibs 2-0 earlier this month but Alessio does not believe that game will have any bearing on this cup quarter-final.
He said: “That match was the past and now in the present is another game. Another important game for them and for us.”