McInnes happy with Dons’ show of mental strength and desire

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes is counting on the fierce competition for places keeping his side competing for honours this season.

The Dons have bounced back from the disappointment of exiting the Europa League by winning their opening three domestic games of the campaign.

Aberdeen are one of four teams boasting a 100% record after two games and McInnes is pleased with the mental strength which was on display at Ross County on Saturday.

He said: “There’s not a lot between us and other teams. We’ve got good quality players but we know we need to earn the right to take part in the game.

“When we go to places like Dingwall and they ask questions of us, we’ve got to stand up to it.

“Sometimes it comes down to that bit of quality or the ability to change it. Sometimes it comes down to having that determination to make sure the game went our way.

“We spoke about that at half-time on Saturday and it was evident for the winning goal.”

Saturday’s win at Ross County was his side’s fourth game in nine days and while the schedule has made for a testing start McInnes is delighted with the desire from his squad and wants to see his players continue to give him tough decisions in terms of team selection.

Adam Rooney, leading goalscorer for the last three seasons, was also on the bench as McInnes handed new signing Stevie May a debut and despite failing to score the former St Johnstone strike made a strong impression on his manager.

McInnes said: “Stevie May had a brilliant debut bar scoring. He will be disappointed but he will get there and he will be better for having had that.”

“He showed exactly what he’s going to be for us and he was terrific either into feet or in behind, as well as his work-rate considering he’s not had a lot of competitive football.”

Meanwhile Shay Logan is relieved he was able to go from sinner to saint as the Dons came from behind to beat County.

Logan’s header gave the Dons all three points and the defender insists he owed it to his team-mates to make amends following his role in the Dons falling behind to Craig Curran’s early header for the Staggies.

The Aberdeen right back said: “It felt that little bit sweeter to score the winner when it was my fault for their goal. I apologised in the dressing room at half time. I don’t think I owed the players but it was definitely my fault.

“I stuck my foot out for the free kick when I should have been a lot tighter and from the free-kick I was the wrong side of Craig Curran and I let him go past me.

“I will definitely say when it’s my fault. I’m just thankful the goal I scored could win us the game.

“It’s forgotten now but for me, the next time we play I will definitely be a lot tighter.”

Shay Logan celebrates his winner against Ross County.