Injury woes... but McGinn urges Dons to take chance

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has labelled it the worst injury crisis of his Pittodrie tenure but Niall McGinn believes the Dons players should embrace the next week as their opportunity to prove themselves.

Funso Ojo and Craig Bryson have become the latest additions to an injury list which seems to be growing by the week with the duo joining Scott Wright, Ash Taylor, Scott McKenna and Stephen Gleeson on the sidelines.

Their absence comes on the eve of a crucial week for Aberdeen as they face Livingston today followed by a Betfred Cup quarter-final at Hearts on Wednesday and a trip to Ibrox to face Rangers next Saturday.

It promises to be a testing period for the Dons players but McGinn is focusing on the positives.

He said: “There have been periods of injuries but this is one where there seems to be a lot of muscle injuries due to freak accidents more than anything but it’s up to us to show the quality of the squad and the guys who come have an opportunity to stake their claim for a place in the side.

“I had to work back from a long-term injury to my ankle but I’m feeling good, feeling fit, and the ones who are fit have to carry the mantle.

“Losing Bryson and Ojo on top of the centre-halves is not ideal.

“You look at the core of the team and having strength through the middle is key so losing players in those central positions is tough.

“Livingston, Hearts and Rangers are the type of games where you need a fullyfit squad.

“Before those injuries happened I am sure the manager was looking at this week as one where he would be looking to rotate the squad.”