I DIDN’T LOSE FOCUS ON DONS JOB DESPITE SMITH ENDORSEMENT

WHILE he was flattered to be touted for the managerial vacancy at Rangers by Walter Smith earlier this year, Derek McInnes insists his focus on Aberdeen did not waver at any point.

The departure of Mark Warburton in February sent the Ibrox club into an unexpected mid-season search for a new boss and McInnes — previously tipped for the post before Warburton’s appointment in the summer of 2015 — was listed among the favourites.

His credentials were publicly endorsed by his former Ibrox manager Smith, but the Glasgow club instead turned to Portuguese coach Pedro Caixinha, who takes his team to Pittodrie today.

‘It’s always nice to hear someone of the gaffer’s stature say something like that,’ said McInnes. ‘He didn’t need to say it and the fact he did was a good thing. ‘Certain people’s words carry more weight. ‘Normally when he speaks, people listen.’

Ultimately, Smith’s pleas were redundant as the Ibrox board opted to look overseas for the club’s 16th permanent manager.

McInnes lost no sleep over that and his team did not miss a beat either. The midweek win over Inverness represented a tenth straight success at Pittodrie and extended the team’s advantage over Rangers, who were held to a draw at Kilmarnock the following night.

The Dons lead Rangers by 12 points going into today’s Premiership fixture and McInnes cites that as proof of his unfaltering concentration to the job in hand.

‘I wasn’t worried about an approach from Rangers,’ he insists. ‘I can’t concern myself with that. My only focus was finishing this season as strongly as we could at Aberdeen.

‘That focus, consistency and stability has certainly helped us over Rangers, St Johnstone and Hearts.’

‘IT’S ALWAYS NICE TO HEAR THINGS LIKE THAT FROM PEOPLE OF HIS STATURE’