McInnes calls for goals all round
ABERDEEN manager Derek McInnes is looking for his team to step up and replace the goals of Adam Rooney after itwas revealed the striker will be outfor up to six weeks.
A late penalty by Liam Craig cancelled out Simon Church’s opener in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with StJohnstone as the Pittodrie side failed to capitalise on Celtic’s draw with Hamilton. But perhaps of more concern was the news that top-scorer Rooney has joined influential winger Johnny Hayes on the injury list.
McInnes confirmed: “He has torn his thigh and will probably be out for aboutsix weeks. He was doing some extra shooting after training on Thursday.
“W e thoughtitwas a mild strain atfirstbutwe senthim for a scan justto be sure and our worst fears were confirmed that there was a small tear. In thatarea of the body, we need to tread carefully with it.”
McInnes admits others will have to step up to the mark to replace Rooney’s goals butwas delighted to see on-loan Church net his second goal in four starts.
“There is a responsibility on everyone else to chip in with more goals because we are a bitdependenton Adam,” he said. “W e are a better team than solely depending on him.
“I thoughtSimon was excellent. He gota predatory goal and he led the line well. His performance gave us every encouragement.”