Robson ‘all right’ two points ahead and with key players to return

Defiant boss Barry Robson remains upbeat about Aberdeen’s bid to finish third despite defeat at rivals Hearts.

He said he feels “all right” about Aberdeen’s two-point advantage over fourth-placed Hearts with two games to go.

The Dons boss is expected to receive a triple boost with captain Graeme Shinnie, star striker Duk and defender Ross McCrorie set to return to bolster the fight for third against St Mirren on Wednesday.

He said: “I said to the players after the game to be positive.

“We are two ahead with two games to go and three top players to come back.

“I’m all right.

“The positive for me is that we have Shinnie, Duk and McCrorie all to come back.

“It is not easy to go down to Tynecastle without those players.

“The others that came in did well but they are your experience, your legs and your goals. That’s what we have to look forward to.

“We are a totally different team to the one that was down here (at Tynecastle, losing 5-0 on January 18) last time.

“We were 10 points behind three months ago.

“The team took a real sore one the last time they were at Tynecastle. Teams won’t do that to us now.”

Striker Duk, who has netted 18 goals, missed the clash due to a hamstring injury.

Vice-captain McCrorie has been absent having undergone surgery on a hernia problem and Shinnie has completed a four-match ban.

Robson also revealed centre-back Angus MacDonald had to be subbed due to a stomach bug.

Robson said: “Angus MacDonald was struggling with illness.

“That was why the decision (to go to a back four) was made.”