Dons face stiffer challenge in bid to finish runners-up
as manager was pretty much in the bag by last Christmas.
Another win in today’s lunchtime match-up with Hibs will at least allow them to travel in hope, if not exactly expectation, to Parkhead next weekend as the Aberdeen manager sees signs that they have put recent uncertainties firmly behind them.
“I think the last two performances have been good” he claimed. “I think we go into this game feeling good about ourselves but it’s not about what’s happened in the past, it’s on the challenge ahead.
“The focus is on this game. It’s a great game for us, we’re relishing the chance to go and take on a good Hibs team and let them know that we’re a good side.
“There will be a lot of good players on show in both teams. I expect it to be tight. Both teams don’t normally not score goals so there will probably be goals in it.
“It will be an important three points, it always is when you play teams in and around you. We’re hopeful that we can continue the winning run we’re on.”
Teenager Frank Ross returns to the squad after missing the 3-0 win at Perth with an ankle injury while Stevie May is relieved to have only sat out one game himself after being on the receiving end of Ryan Jack’s terrible tackle at Pittodrie recently. The Rangers midfielder is serving a three-game ban for crunching into May’s ankle during the Ibrox side’s 2-1 win but the striker, who only managed five more appearances in 18 months for Preston North End after suffering serious knee ligament damage, was happy to get off lightly this time
“It’s been dealt with now,” said May. “Obviously it was a sore one but thankfully it was nothing too serious.
“As injuries go I’ve not had a lot, although I was out for a long time due to a bad tackle in the past.
“You are always worried when you get injured but thankfully it was nothing serious.
“It was a relief more than anything and thankfully I’ve been able to come back quickly with no issues.”