Dons must beat Rangers to guarantee Europa spot

ABERDEEN 0 HIBERNIAN 0

Derek McInnes is targeting a win over Rangers tomorrow night to secure European football for Aberdeen next season.

A goalless draw at Pittodrie against Hibernian left the Dons one point clear of Rangers and three ahead of Hibs with two games to go this season.

A win over Rangers would put them out of reach of their rivals and secure a top-three spot, and while admitting it makes for an exciting end to the season, McInnes is looking forward to sealing their fate.

“It’s very unusual that Hibs, Rangers and ourselves can all finish fourth, third or second; it’s all in our own hands,” he said.

“But first things first on Tuesday. A win will secure European football and that’s the first box we need to tick.

“With three clean sheets in a row post split, which isn’t easy, hopefully we can add a wee bit more of a goal threat on Tuesday and try to get the job done.

“The post-split came out and it was always going to be exciting. I felt we had to win four games to guarantee second.

“I still think we can get it, but we cannot do it without winning on Tuesday.

“We have to take charge of our own destiny and a win on Tuesday is something we have to go and do if we have any ambitions of top two.

“Getting into Europe is exciting for everybody.”

The point, while not helping Hibs climb the table, at least continues their fine run of form which now stretches to 12 games and elevated them to genuine contenders for a top-three finish in their first season back in the Premiership.

Manager Neil Lennon still harbours hopes of closing the gap despite seeing his side miss a penalty which could have decided the match.

“It’s seven points out of nine post-split which is a tremendous return,” he said.

“We have another huge game on Wednesday but then Rangers and Aberdeen have to play each other so you expect something to give there, and then Rangers come to us and Aberdeen have to play Celtic so it’s all to play for.

“It’s a statement of intent for the players, not just for present but also for next season that they can compete at the highest level in this country.”