It’s Marley and glee for Del as Watkins signs
We’ve not had our troubles to seek with injuries, particularly up front
Derek McInnes reckons the arrival of Marley Watkins will give Aberdeen a much-needed lift up front.
The former Inverness striker signed on loan from Bristol City yesterday and could make his debut against Livingston today if he gets clearance.
With Sam Cosgrove, Curtis Main and Ryan Edmondson all injured, the Dons boss is pleased to add to his ranks.
McInnes said: “I ’m really pleased to get a player of Marley’s quality and experience. We have not had our troubles to seek with injur ies, particularly to our strikers, so it was important to get a player in who can help.”
McInnes hopes today’s clash against Livi will help Aberdeen get Euro- ready – because reaching the group stage could be a financial game-changer.
But the Dons gaffer doesn’t want a lengthy Europa League run to impact on the bread and butter of the league campaign as he looks to challenge on both fronts. Aberdeen have fallen at the third qualifying round six seasons in a row but McInnes hopes the one- tie format this year can help them make progress.
After three of his side’s games were scrapped for his players breaching Covid-19 protocols, a clash against the Lions at Pittodrie will help them ahead of the Euro tie against Runavik on Thursday.
The Reds were 1- 0 winners at St Johnstone last week in only their second game in six months. McInnes said: “We’ l l be better having had a game against Livi in our legs.
“It’s a cup competition and it’s a one-off tie, so we have to be ready. The group stage is important. Financially it’s a game-changer.
“We would also come up against a level of opponent that would excite and challenge us.
“You need the size of squad to deal with it but you worry about once you get through.”