Aberdeen are ready to heap more misery on St Mirren by throwing Niall McGinn and Barry Robson back into action against the struggling Buddies.
Last season’s leading Pittodrie goal scorer McGinn has not featured for the Reds this month after injuring his ankle on international duty for Northern Ireland.
Former Celtic midfielder Robson has not played since the opening day of the season after he was forced to undergo knee surgery after a knock sustained against Kilmarnock.
Both were considered for starts against Falkirk on Wednesday but missed the 5-0 League Cup win after manager Derek McInnes decided not to risk the duo.
The Dons were yesterday drawn away to Motherwell in the quarter-final draw at Hampden.
McGinn and Robson are now in contention for Monday’s Scottish Premiership game at St Mirren, along with captain Russell Anderson, who has had his plaster cast removed after a broken bone in his hand.
The Paisley Saints are still searching for a first win of the new campaign to ease the mounting pressure on manager Danny Lennon.
Dons assistant Tony Docherty said yesterday: “Both Barry and Niall have a good chance of playing against St Mirren.
“They were just that little bit short for the game at Falkirk but, in terms of their rehab, both are on track and actually a little bit ahead, so they will be considered for Monday.”
St Mirren have won just once since lifting the League Cup in March and have the 15-point deduction handed to administration-hit Hearts to thank for keeping them off bottom spot in the Premiership.
The Dons, by contrast, stormed into the League Cup quarter-finals with their midweek drubbing of the Bairns and sit third in the Premiership.
Now Docherty hopes the Reds will become the latest club to see off Lennon’s team. He said: “It’s not a nice position to be in but Danny is experienced and has been in management for long enough.
“Everyone knows that one win can turn things around. He will be endeavouring to do that and we will be endeavouring to make sure he doesn’t.”