Rooney fails fitness test but Docherty says Aberdeen can cope without striker

Tony Docherty insists Aberdeen are strong enough to cope without Adam Rooney during tonight’s Europa League clash with Apollon Limassol.

The Dons head to Cyprus holding a 2-1 advantage after winning last week’s third qualifying round first leg at Pittodrie. However they have travelled without chief poacher Rooney after the Irish striker failed a last-minute fitness test.

Rooney missed last week’s clash with a hamstring strain but – after watching Ryan Christie and skipper Graeme Shinnie fire the goals which put Derek Mcinnes’ men in command – Docherty is confident Aberdeen will not lack for firepower.

Mcinnes’ assistant boss said: “We hoped Adam would be fit and gave him every chance to do that. We had him out this morning but he’s just fallen short.

“It’s nothing serious and he’ll be back in contention for Sunday’s match [against Hamilton]. He just won’t make this one. But we’re equipped with a squad that can go over there and in his absence get the job done.

“Coping without your top goalscorer from any team is a big loss.

“But we have a squad this year that has people ready to come in and take his place.

“We carry a threat at the top end of the pitch, we have midfielders that can weigh in with goals, while we’re also a goal threat from set plays.

“We would love Adam to be here but we’re confident we’ve got the players to get the job done.”

0 Adam Rooney: Ruled out.