Mcinnes: We’re frustrated, but we carry on
Aberdeen’s loss to Ross County will not kill off their resurgence, Derek Mcinnes vowed last night.
Mc In n e s’ 10-man Dons fell to the Staggies yesterday, leaving them without a win in five home games.
But the Reds’ gaffer believes recent wins over Hamilton Accies and Kilmarnock – coupled with a dogged showing against Celtic – can still fuel them to a lateseason surge.
“Of course there’s frustration,” he said when asked about dropping more points at Pittodrie.
“We can’t hide that. It was a game we set out to win and we knew the energy and physical part of the game would be an issue.
“We tried to freshen up a few areas. We always knew we would bring the subs on earlier but it’s tough to maintain those levels with ten men.
“We won’t let it derail our form.
“There has been an upturn in fortune in the last few games, the performance levels have been good. Out here against Celtic last week was a big performance, and a big result during the week.
“We do need to manage our training this week and make sure we are ready for St Mirren – and we will be ready.”
Dons teen Dean Campbell’s sending off for attempting to stop a quick Ross County free kick made preserving the lead Curtis Main had given them a tough task.
Mcinnes branded it a learning experience for his young hopeful.
But he insisted Campbell had been harshly dealt with.
“It is a learning curve for wee Dean although I do think there was a bit of inconsistency there,” said the Aberdeen boss.
“The first one is a yellow card for stopping a p ro m i s i n g attack although normally you get booked when it is in your own half and you really are stopping a promising attack.
“Once Dean has got that yellow he should have been keeping his nose clean and out of bother. I think what Dean has done for the second yellow you see every week.
“It actually happened to us at Kilmarnock when we tried to take a quick free kick and their boy has walked across the ball and the referee dealt with it and it wasn’t a yellow card.
“He defused the situation and got on with it and maybe another referee looks at that differently given the circumstances.
“Dean had one foul and then he was sent off.
“It was very harsh on him but once he has been carded he has to watch what he is doing.
“It doesn’t matter if you are 18 or 36 you know to keep out of the way of the ref if you are on a booking.”