I woke up at 2am screaming after Saints nightmare
Warnock admits Paisley stunner left a mark
NEIL wARNOCK woke up last Sunday screaming – now he aims to have the Red Army dreaming of Hampden.
The Aberdeen manager takes his team into tomorrow’s home clash with Kilmarnock knowing there is a Scottish Cup semi-final spot at stake.
Warnock’s time at Pittodrie has proved to be something of an anticlimax but he’s well aware that could all change if he can keep the Reds on track for silverware.
He has been having 2am nightmares after a stoppage-time collapse saw his team lose two goals and the points at St Mirren last week.
Now he hopes there will be a different vibe come 2pm tomorrow.
Warnock said: “Last Saturday night and Sunday were not great, you can imagine the disappointment in the camp. Especially in my house, I think I woke up at 2am screaming!
“It was bad but if it wasn’t bad then there’s something wrong with you. You have to get on with it, we’re very lucky to be in this job working for a club like this.
“So you have to move on and try to put a smile back on the fans’ faces. We have a fantastic opportunity to do that in the cup this weekend.
“I told the players at the start of the week to stop feeling sorry for themselves – it’s gone now and we have to look forward. We’ve had some good sessions and are looking forward to having a go.”
The big issue for Aberdeen is they are coming up against an in-form team, managed by former boss Derek McInnes. He has led his side to three victories over the Dons, who have yet to score against Kilmarnock this season.
Warnock said: “Killie have beaten us three times this season and I don’t think we’ve scored a goal so that’s something we need to change.
“We have to give them a better game. Kilmarnock are a good side but the carrot of a semi is there.”
Killie gave Aberdeen a bloody nose in the league at Rugby Park last month. Warnock claimed his players were bullied but is glad they won’t have to cope with a plastic pitch this time back on home turf.
He added: “It’s a different game on grass, it has to be a big advantage to have your own pitch like that.
“Kilmarnock will play the same way. But we have to instil our game on to Kilmarnock as well.”