The silence of the stands at Pittodrie

Dons fans set to return – quietly

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has challenged his side to use this month to build momentum.

The Dons return from the international break today by welcoming Kilmarnock to Pittodrie in the first of two consecutive home matches in the Premiership.

Having watched his side put together a fourmatch winning run prior to the break the Dons boss, pictured right, is eager to continue where they left off when Killie visit today.

He said: “I think at any time of the season four wins in a row are desirable but it’s not always easy to do that.

“If we can go and add another one and get used to that winning feeling it becomes a habit and we want that habit to continue.

“The international break probably came at the wrong time for us but I am hoping we can pick up where we left off.

“The players are getting more strength in their legs, getting more game-ready and getting more rhythm in their play.”

With Ryan Edmondson due to return from Leeds next week and Sam Cosgrove and Mikey Devlin also aiming to resume full training next month, McInnes believes his side should be going into a busy month of matches with confidence.

He said: “We have more options certainly than we had in the first couple of games. The squad is getting a bit stronger which can only help drive a level of performance because the competition is greater.

“But Kilmarnock will be a tough game for us. You never get a comfortable game against Kilmarnock ever and they are obviously on the back of a very good result of their own.

“So we are prepared to work hard for the win, we have to do a lot of things right to give ourselves an opportunity of that.”

Pittodrie has been chosen as one of two test venues today and with 300 fans being allowed to attend the game, McInnes is looking forward to seeing supporters inside the stadium again.

He said: “I think it helps matters, definitely. Getting 300 fans in is a step in the right direction. I think it’s a reward for the supporters to be allowed in.

“I think that actually having supporters visibly there, although sparsely, the players will be aware of that. It can help, without a shadow of a doubt. Hopefully those numbers will start to increase as we go along.”

With the exception of the three players who have been out for the last month the Dons boss has a fullstrength team to choose from.

He said: “Obviously Ross McCrorie and Lewis Ferguson got a lot of playing time.

“Niall McGinn and Matty Kennedy are fine, Kennedy trained yesterday.

“Scott McKenna trained yesterday as well. No one from the international setup has any issues. Everyone else is good.”