McLean hails mental strength ahead of Celtic showdown

Aberdeen midfielder Kenny McLean says the mental strength shown in the victory over Inverness on Saturday stands his side in good stead for the Betfred Cup final against Celtic next week.

The 24-year-old scored his first brace for the club as the Dons beat Caley 3-1 to secure back-to-back away victories in the Ladbrokes Premiership before Sunday’s date at Hampden Park.

The Reds fought back from a goal down to prevail in the Highlands and the performance and character was hailed by the in-form McLean.

He told www.afc.co.uk: “A lot of people thought we would come here with one eye on next Sunday.

“I will be honest, it was tough not to do that because it is such a big game, but the fact we didn’t shows the character of the boys and their mental strength.

“When you come out of the tunnel and see a couple of thousand Aberdeen fans, you then do not need any more motivation than that. At this time of year, in freezing conditions, it’s hard for them so they deserved a performance from us.

“My two goals were nice but it was all about getting three points. The result was very important as we have a massive week coming up. It was what we needed. It was the performance we needed. Now we can all focus on the final, the fans and players.

“The competition for places is very strong. It forces everyone to play well when you are in the side. Next week we have 19 or 20 guys all wanting to be in that starting XI. Confidence is high and we are taking some momentum into the final.”

Caley Thistle boss Richie Foran meanwhile pulled no punches in his assessment of his own side’s performance, believing they were second-best all over the park.

“Our overall performance was very disappointing. Nearly all over the park we were second best – I take only Lonsana Doumbouya and Owain Fon Williams out of that,” said Foran.

“Lons was excellent – his best game for us. Everywhere else we were very poor.

“Anticipation from Aberdeen, winning second balls, was excellent from start to finish. They have players of the calibre of Rooney, Hayes and (James) Maddison, who was excellent.

“They looked a far better team than us today. Full credit to them.”

Motherwell won 2-0 against Partick Thistle in the Ladbrokes Premiership to extend the Jags’ 20-year wait for a win at Fir Park.

Louis Moult starred in a dominant Motherwell performance, scoring one goal and setting up the other for strike partner Scott MacDonald.

Kenny McLean celebrates his second goal of the game.