FRIENDSHIPS WILL BE PUT TO ONE SIDE WHEN RIVALS CLASH AGAIN
ABERDEEN and Rangers are about to rubbish the idiom that it’s hard to remain enemies when you’ve broken bread together.
Their managers did lunch in Glasgow to talk football together ‘some while ago’, reveals Mark Warburton, but amid the bedlam of Pittodrie for today’s date, there will be no place for civilised discussion.
The renewal of hostilities between the clubs in the Granite City for the first time in nearly five years, since a Nikica Jelavic penalty edged Rangers a league tie 2-1, will see to that.
However, Warburton is hugely approving of the work Derek McInnes has undertaken at Aberdeen, something he gained a greater insight into when they met up.
‘I met Derek and had lunch with him,’ said Warburton. ‘It was just for a chat, really, we were both in Glasgow so decided to meet for a casual cup of tea that turned into a bite to eat.
‘I’ve actually met him a few times and I have absolutely a lot of respect for what he’s done throughout his career. It was good to get his perspective on Scottish football. It’s always good to hear that.
‘I very much enjoyed talking football with him. I know Robbie Neilson, too, from Brentford and have spoken to him, so it’s always useful to talk to different managers and hear what they’re thinking.
‘Derek has got a high-quality squad and added to it again this season so we know the test we face. The job he’s doing at Aberdeen is first-class. He’s a top manager and a top-quality coach.
‘Aberdeen have a good squad unity, and enjoyed European football, so there are a lot of positives and qualities within their squad.
‘We signed Shay Logan and Niall McGinn for Brentford. They are two very talented players and I know a few of the young boys from England that Derek has brought in.
‘We are well aware of the venue and the warmth of reception we will likely get. I’ve been told by everyone all about it. But we’re looking forward to what we know will be a tough game.’
Warburton went on to express ‘sympathy’ for the complaint by McInnes that his Aberdeen team only had Friday and Saturday to prepare for the clash, as a result of Betfred Cup scheduling.
Rangers eased past Queen of the South on Tuesday while the Dons’ live fixture took place on Thursday evening as they saw off St Johnstone 1-0 to clinch a semi-final berth against Morton.
‘I understand TV dominates match scheduling and we all have our gripes because some scheduling is not right nor appropriate,’ he said. ‘I’ve sympathy from where Derek is coming from, absolutely.’
Warburton welcomes central defenders Phillipe Senderos and Rob Kiernan back into contention.
Jordan Rossiter is the only definite absentee as he continues to deal with a calf injury.