Ibrox reception no concern for McInnes

PREMIERSHIP: Boss more interested in Dons’ performance

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes insists he could not care less what reception he receives when he makes his return to Ibrox tonight.

The Dons travel to Glasgow to face Rangers for the first time since McInnes turned down the chance to replace Pedro Caixinha at the Light Blues.

A hostile reception is in store but McInnes is adamant his focus is solely on seeing the real Aberdeen turn up after a disappointing display in the 3-0 defeat in Glasgow on November 29.

The Dons boss said: “I have no idea what reception I’ll get but it’s not important to me.

“What is important is what’s happening on the pitch, all the other stuff that goes on when you go to other grounds is immaterial.

“What it’s about is the players and what’s happening on the park.

“I am more concerned about making sure we get off to a better start than anything else.

“I don’t know if we have a point to prove because even if we win the game there is a lot of football still to be played over the remainder of the season.

“We want to give a far better performance than we did the last time at Ibrox.

“We didn’t start well that night, Rangers were brighter on the day and they won the game.

“They smelled blood and by the time we settled into the game we were 2-0 down and facing an uphill task.”

Aberdeen face a much changed Gers side following the January arrival of loan players Sean Goss, Russell Martin, Jamie Murphy and Jason Cummings.

McInnes believes Rangers should be favourites to finish second due to their resources but is confident his club can provide a challenge.

He said: “At the start of the season Rangers were huge favourites to finish second and I think with the signings they have made it’s even more so.

“They have made some good, shortterm signings this month, adding three international players.

“Only Celtic and Rangers are able to go out and do that.

“They have made really good signings, they are all signings that you would have expected Rangers to make previously.

“But we want to give a better account of ourselves there because although we won there last season as a club we don’t have a great record at Ibrox.

“We want to meet the demands we have set, we have been second in the league for the last few years and overcame the challenge from Rangers last season.”

McInnes dismissed reports defender Anthony O’Connor has decided to quit the club when his contract expires in the summer and return to England.

He said: “We have had good talks with Anthony and I am still as confident we can retain him for next season. He hasn’t indicated that he wants to go to England.”

Rangers interim boss Graeme Murty, handed the reins after McInnes turned the approach down, added: “I don’t think any Rangers-Aberdeen game needs any extra edge. There always seems to be something going on.

“The atmosphere will be tasty but they always are in these games.”