Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes admits he has plenty to ponder before selecting his team to face Motherwell in tonight’s eagerly anticipated League Cup quarter-final.
Scott Vernon and Gregg Wylde both scored after coming off the bench in Saturday’s 2-0 win against Hibernian, while fit-again midfielder Barry Robson has impressed in substitute appearances against Dundee United and Hibernian since returning from a knee injury. The major quandary for McInnes will be whether to stick with Calvin Zola in the lone forward position or opt for Vernon, who has netted five times after coming on from the bench this season, including a hat-trick against Falkirk in the previous round.
McInnes was keeping tightlipped on who will start against the Steelmen tonight but is pleased to see so much competition for places throughout the team.
He said: “A lot of boys can feel hard done by that they were not in the side or not even in the 18 on Saturday. I’ve stressed that everyone has a part to play. We saw it on Saturday with the guys coming off the bench and making such a great impact.
“Everyone wants to contribute but the difficult thing for a manager is you only have 11 starting.
“Sometimes it is harsh on players but you have to look at every game. We’ve not been scared to change a winning team and you have to sometimes with games coming thick and fast.
“It’s about getting the best team out on the day.
“Scott has certainly been effective for us. His goals have won us six points and got us into the quarter finals of the cup, all from off the bench so he’s made an impact. He’ll want to be starting, though.”
More than 2,000 Dons supporters made the trip to Easter Road on Saturday and another sizeable travelling support is expected to cheer on the Dons at Fir Park tonight.
McInnes would love nothing more than to reward them with a place in a semi-final.
He added: “The supporters invest a lot in us and we are fully aware and appreciate it. They have been terrific. It’s great to see that backing when you run out on a Saturday.
“They are showing a belief in their team which is the same as I have and it is only good for the players to have that.
“It’s important we constantly strive to do well for them. If we are going to do anything we’re going to need them with us.”
Robson can handle trophy pressure, Page 52