LOWE’S READY FOR THE HIGH
MAX LOWE reckons Aberdeen’s stunning Ibrox success can transform their season.
The Reds responded magnificently to the devastating Betfred Cup Final loss to Celtic by going across Glasgow and inflicting a first home defeat of the season on Rangers.
It was a fantastic performance of ability and resilience that now leaves Derek McInnes’ men just seven points off top spot with a crucial two games in hand on Premiership pacesetters Kilmarnock.
And with five of their seven matches before the mid-winter break at Pittodrie, the Dons have a massive opportunity to hoist themselves into contention.
Defender Lowe feels the upcoming fixture schedule and the confidence gleaned from bouncing back from Hampden heartbreak so spectacularly at Ibrox can change the campaign.
He said: “With the games in hand that we have, we’re really confident. It would have been a terrible week had we lost again on Wednesday – it would have been hard to kick on again.
“But to get the win against Rangers is massive for us and a huge confidence boost.
“It was perfect to get a clean sheet after last Sunday.
“It could be a season-changer because we can deal with anyone in this league.”
Aberdeen reminded everyone of their abilities as they smashed Rangers’ home record.
McInnes had heroes all over the pitch but matchwinner Scott BY CRAIG SWAN McKenna epitomised 10-man Dons’ colossal performance.
The Scotland defender needed stitches after being clobbered by Kyle Lafferty, yet would not be broken and produced an astounding block in injury-time to get his team over the line.
On-loan Derby kid Lowe said: “It was like two goals Scott scored. Me, Joe [Lewis], Shay [Logan] and Andy [Considine] celebrated his tackle like it was a goal. That saved us the game.
“Before I came up here, I heard how good a centre-half Scott is and he has backed it up with his performances.
“We know we’ve got the right people in the squad to get goals in key moments. That’s what Scott did. He and Andy led us on.
“We always knew we had a chance. If we did the simple things defensively, we knew we’d keep a clean sheet.”
Youngster Lowe also played a big part in keeping Rangers at bay on Wednesday.
And the 21-year-old believes he’s making massive strides under the guidance of McInnes.
He said: “Even after being here a couple of weeks, I felt like I’d improved my game.
“The gaffer took me to one side and told me the things I needed to improve defensively. I still need to improve in the air.
“Each game, I’m picking up and learning things as I go on. Rangers and Celtic are great teams and I’m happy we’ve been able to keep them quiet. Hopefully I can do that for as long as I stay.”