Mulgrew hails top manager McInnes

Former Aberdeen and Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew reckons Derek McInnes deserves credit for continually turning out competitive sides.

McInnes has had to do several rebuilding jobs at Pittodrie, in the wake of losing ke y players like Ryan Jack, Kenny McL ean and Graeme Shinnie.

Mulgrew, who turned out for the Dons between 2008 and 2010 before becoming a key figure at Parkhead, was impressed by what Aberdeen had to offer in the 3-3 draw between the two sides on Sunday.

They meet again this weekend in the Scottish Cup semi- finals with Aberdeen taking great confidence into the game at Hampden Park.

Mulgrew said: “Aberdeen were good. Derek McInnes has done a great job, being there nearly eight years now. He just keeps turning players out – that’s credit to him and To n y Docherty (assistant boss). They must be really good coaches and have good man-management skills. To attract players up to Aberdeen – there’s a lot of teams in the Glasgow area, so it must be difficult. ‘‘

The Dons have not beaten Celtic at the national stadium since the League Cup semifinal in September 1992, in which Eoin Jess scored the only goal of the game.

Mulgrew added: “I would say it will come down to whoever can score that first goal. It will be tight because both teams will be wary of each other. When you’ve conceded three goals in a game, you don’t want to concede any in the next game.

“When there are no fans in the stadium, it takes away that wee bit of extra pressure that is on you. Sometimes if you’re in this run that Celtic are on, the first five, ten minutes of a game, the fans can be a bit edgy. A couple of sideways passes, or giving the ball away, and then they can be on top of you.’’