McInnes to play squad game during December

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has challenged every player in his squad to play a part in the run of fixtures in December.

It’s two down but six to go for the Dons after they put their defeat to Rangers at Ibrox last weekend behind them by beating Kilmarnock 5-1 at Pittodrie on Tuesday.

The games come thick and fast for McInnes’ men with St Johnstone visiting Pittodrie tomorrow before former manager Mark McGhee brings his Motherwell side north on Tuesday.

McInnes knows the schedule is one which will test his squad depth to the full.

He said: “Playing eight games in a month is a strain on supporters and the players, but it is why we have a squad for a period like this and I would expect the squad to be used over the next few games. December is a busy period for a lot of teams, but we have a run of games at home and we are trying to maximise that advantage.”

Aberdeen’s immediate aim this month is to regain second place and with Rangers facing Hearts this weekend the Dons could find themselves back in pursuit of leaders Celtic if they beat St Johnstone tomorrow.

McInnes has urged his players to focus on their performance with maximum points in the next two games guaranteeing a return to second, irrespective of tomorrow’s result at Ibrox.

The Aberdeen manager, who will have captain Ryan Jack back from suspension for the visit of Saints, said: “We’re always confident, especially at home, as we expect to win games here.w

“We’ve only lost once at home this season and that was to Celtic so we have reason to be confident when facing any team at Pittodrie.

“We know if we win the next two games, which we are more than capable of doing, we’re back in second spot behind a team who appear to be way ahead of everyone else at the moment.

“We will need to play well and while it’s important not to look too far ahead, of the eight games we have in December, four are at home and we’re normally strong at home and confident here.”