Bates dauntless in face of battle for starting slot

Aberdeen defender David Bates is ready to fight for his starting slot amid boss Jim Goodwin’s summer squad rebuild.

Scotland international Bates netted the Dons’ goal in the 1-1 draw at Hibernian.

Aberdeen are now mathematically safe from any threat of being dragged into a relegation play-off.

Bates has forged a centreback partnership with fellow Scotland international Declan Gallagher in recent months.

He accepts they will face a battle to retain that partnership as boss Goodwin will sign centrebacks in the summer transfer window.

Aberdeen have secured just six clean sheets in 45 games in all competitions this season.

Bates said: “I get on well with Deccy (Declan Gallagher) off the pitch and we complement one another on it.

“There will be someone who comes in as we only have two centre-backs for next year.

“We know someone will come in so we just need to try to fight for our places.

“And that’s how it should be at a big club.

“We will see what happens in pre-season.”

Bates and Gallagher are the only senior centrebacks contracted for next summer.

Long-serving defender Andy Considine will exit the club at the season’s end.

A contract for Scotland international Considine was taken off the table after talks broke down.

Another Scotland international centre-back, Mikey Devlin, recently had his contract terminated.

Devlin had not featured this season due to longterm injury.

Bates had fired the Reds in front with a composed finish in the 55th minute at Easter Road.

Centre-back partner Gallagher pitched in with the assist for that goal.

However they were unable to secure a clean sheet as Paul McGinn netted with just seven minutes remaining.

Bates insists Aberdeen must start dictating games and be more ruthless in killing off the threat of opponents.

He said: “We have not controlled games at all and we know that.

“We have a massive preseason ahead of us. We don’t kill teams off and will work on that as the gaffer will have his plans.

“Obviously he will have his players coming in during pre-season so there will be big changes.”

Aberdeen boss Jim Goodwin opted to start at Easter Road with players all contracted for next season and beyond.

The Reds looked on course for victory until conceding late on.

Defender Bates insists Aberdeen offered Hibs a route back into the game by “stepping off the gas”.

Bates said: “We played well in the first half and had a game plan.

“In the second half we stepped off it a little and Hibs dictated more.”