McInnes eager to make the most of ‘real opportunity’

Scottish cup: Aberdeen boss says replay against Kilmarnock is big chance but not season-defining

Derek McInnes is fully aware the William Hill Scottish Cup offers a major chance for success but refuses to accept tonight’s replay against Kilmarnock could define their entire season.

The Dons travel to Rugby Park to face in-form Kilmarnock in the quarter-final replay after the two sides drew 1-1 at Pittodrie earlier in the month, with a meeting against Motherwell at Hampden the prize on offer.

Success in the cup has been high on the list of priorities all season for McInnes, whose side lost to Motherwell in the Betfred Cup last eight.

The Dons are without a win in their last four games, which has seen them drop to five points off second-placed Rangers in the league, a spot Aberdeen have held on to for three consecutive seasons.

Killie manager Steve Clarke and midfielder Gary Dicker turned up the heat on the Dons on the eve of the game by claiming Aberdeen’s campaign rested on continuing their cup run.

But McInnes still has ambitions on several fronts.

“It gives us a real opportunity to have a really successful campaign, as it will for Kilmarnock and anybody left in the cup,” McInnes said.

“We said at the start of the competition that it’s one we will set out to try and win, regardless of who we’re up against and we still see that.

“We are sitting third in the league and we are used to being better than that, but there’s still a lot of points to be gained in the league.

“It’s not season-defining but, for the perception of it, it will help us with our league form if we can win.

“The feelgood factor and momentum will give the supporters a lift and hopefully we can get into the semi-final because we know how strong cup runs are important to everyone.”

McInnes has a near-full-strength squad, with Sam Cosgrove having completed a two-match suspension.

Joe Lewis remains the only absentee, with the goalkeeper scheduled for a return from his long-term knee injury after the international break.

Kilmarnock winger Jordan Jones is rated at 50-50 to overcome a hamstring injury.

Left-back Greg Taylor is also doubtful after coming off with a knock during his team’s victory over Ross County.

Defender Gordon Greer (calf) remains out, along with long-term absentee Steven Smith (back), but the latter is set to step up his recovery with an outing for the U20s.