Derek McInnes says he is calm about Scott Wright’s impending move away from the club as Aberdeen prepare to face Ross County at Victoria Park tomorrow.
McInnes: “I’m quite calm about the situation”
With Scott Wright refusing to sign a new deal with Aberdeen the forward looks destined to leave the North-east after beginning his career with the Dons at 8 years of age.
Rangers are said to be interested in the forward who’s contract expires at the end of the season.
On the Wright situation, McInnes told the Aberdeen FC website in his final press conference before the game tomorrow: “I’m quite calm about the situation. Scott is calm. He is keen to play and we are keen for him to play. It is the same with any of our players. Wherever they have got six months to go on their contract as Scott has, or whenever they have four years, we are always looking for a right offer and the right offer for the club and that hasn’t changed.”
McInnes says the squad will be unchanged for the team that was set to play Livingston on Wednesday night. The game was called off at the eleventh hour due to a waterlogged pitch. It’s the second time now the game has been cancelled after its original schedule on January the 13th was also disrupted due to ice.
Ryan Hedges misses out tomorrow due to suspension after the red card he picked up against Rangers. If McInnes goes with the same eleven that were due to play Livi it means Curtis Main will lead the line over Sam Cosgrove. Connor McLennan might feature.
“Maybe at the back of our minds we know we have been doing well defensively and want to keep that going rather than attacking and scoring goals. It’s up to us as a players to recognise that during the game and commit more bodies forward.”
Jonny Hayes on Aberdeen turning draws into wins
County have had a tumultuous season having knocked Celtic out the League Cup then sacking manager Stuart Kettlewell and replacing him with John Hughes.
McInnes says he was sad to see Kettlewell go but rates Hughes highly.
“I was disappointed to see Stuart Kettlewell lose his job. He was a young manager that was doing very well and his record at Ross County had been terrific. They now have another very good manager in John Hughes, it was an inspired appointment. He has been out of the topflight for too long, I have a lot of time for John.”
Further articles:
–Aberdeen lose 2-1 to Rangers playing over 60 minutes with 10 men: Match report
–Why so intense? Find out from Dons supporters why the Aberdeen Rangers rivalry is so intense
–Aberdeen must do better according to McInnes after Dons frustrated by United: Reaction
–Tribute to former United great Jim McLean who’s died aged 83
Jonny Hayes assisted a goal in Aberdeen’s 3-0 defeat of County in September and has been a mainstay in the starting eleven for the Dons since returning to the club from Celtic.
The full back, who set up Matty Kennedy’s consolation goal against Rangers last weekend, wants the club to turn draws into wins after Aberdeen have seen themselves stuck in four stalemates in their last nine encounters.
Hayes told the Aberdeen website: “To turn the draws we have had into wins, quite simply we need to score more goals. We have a formation that lends itself to be able to do that as well as attack. Maybe at the back of our minds we know we have been doing well defensively and want to keep that going rather than attacking and scoring goals.
“It’s up to us as a players to recognise that during the game and commit more bodies forward.”
County’s resurgence under Hughes
John Hughes has stepped back into the breach following Stuart Kettlewell’s sacking after the home defeat to Hamilton in December.
Ross County are currently rooted to the bottom of the SPL a point from safety having played a game more than their relegation rivals.
Under Hughes the Staggies have lost three, drawn one and won one – including an impressive victory away to Hibs.
Things could be turning in Dingwall with County having picked up four of nine points in their last three games after a run of eight defeats in the league.
On the match Hughes said: “Every game from now is a cup final. We still need to go and express ourselves. It’s all about the freedom to go and play. When we do it, and from what I’m seeing on the training pitch, it’s good.
“We know what we’re up against. Derek has done a marvellous job up there. It’s a right good Aberdeen side.”
Derek McInnes’ full press conference at afc.co.uk.
Ross County v Aberdeen, SPL, Saturday 16th, 3pmKO
Harry Jamshid Reporter Sports Pages 