The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
ALEX SMITH JUDGES THE MERITS OF ABERDEEN’S SCOTTISH CUP FINAL TEAM TO FACE CELTIC
Joe Lewis
It says it all that the Englishman pipped Craig Gordon by being named in the SPFA team of the year. Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has tried a few options in his pursuit of a first choice goalkeeper at Pittodrie. At long last he seems to have settled on Lewis who is a consistent performer and a standout in a good Dons side this season. Will be a key man at Hampden.
Andy Considine
The unsung hero, 2016-17 has become a breakthrough campaign for Considine. Plays almost every week but often goes unnoticed. Not any more. A player who many feared would be on the bench following Graeme Shinnie’s arrival in 2015 but has risen to the challenge fantastically well.
Mark Reynolds
It looks as if injuries will force a reshuffle for the Dons and I expect Reynolds to start. A quick player who reads the game well, his pace will be vital against a dynamic Hoops attacking quartet.
Ash Taylor
Taylor is a favourite of the Aberdeen manager and it’s not hard to see why. A huge physical presence whose stature makes him an attacking weapon at set pieces as well as in defence, Taylor was caught out by Dedryck Boyata a Pittodrie recently for Celtic’s opening goal and will be keen to make amends in the final.
Shay Logan
A cult hero among the Dons supporters and it’s easy to see why as Logan is a man for the big occasion. His natural instinct is to push forward as an overlapping full back but may have to curtail it a little for the final as the Hoops will be hoping to exploit any gaps in the Aberdeen defence.
Anthony O’Connor
I haven’t seen enough of O’Connor to comment on his qualities as a midfielder, but he has played there regularly in recent weeks and with Dons captain Ryan Jack struggling to make the final following a groin operation I expect O’Connor to take his place in the team. He is strong and a ball-winning midfielder – two qualities the Dons will need if they are to break Celtic’s attacks down.
Graeme Shinnie
The vice-captain will don the captain’s armband if Jack fails to make it and the added responsibility will not faze him at all. Was excellent for Caley Thistle in his last Scottish Cup final appearance against my club Falkirk and he would love to lift the Scottish Cup with his hometown team. Another key player.
Jonny Hayes
Playing Celtic seems to bring out the best in Hayes if the number of spectacular goals he has scored against them is anything to go by. He was one of Aberdeen’s best performers in the recent league defeat and will be determined to make his first Scottish Cup final appearance a memorable one.
Kenny McLean
McLean has enjoyed his best campaign in an Aberdeen shirt and his performances in 2017 have been outstanding. Will want to show watching Scotland manager Gordon Strachan he is international class by helping the Dons derail Celtic’s treble dream.
Niall McGinn
His last game for the Dons and it is a fitting finale against the club who brought him to Scottish football. McGinn is heading to England next season and he will be a big miss for the Dons. An international player who can create as well as score, McGinn is a player the Dons will be looking for a big performance from.
Adam Rooney
He was benched for the recent league game between the sides, but I cannot see a scenario other than injury keeping him out of the team at Hampden. Has scored 20 goals for the Dons for the third season running and was the hero when Aberdeen won the League Cup in 2015. If Aberdeen are to cause an Rooney will be involved somewhere.