Aberdeen’s profligacy in front of goal has contributed to an underwhelming start to the new campaign – but manager Derek McInnes believes it is only a matter of time before his shot-shy side rediscover their scoring touch.
The Dons have struggled to hit the target during the opening stages of the Scottish Premiership with only four goals to show from their first five games.
Alongside Partick Thistle, that’s the worst return from all 12 top flight sides – although the Reds have played one game more than the Firhill men.
With Adam Rooney, Jayden Stockley, Miles Storey and Wes Burns all competing to lead the line, the Aberdeen manager has plenty of options but admits he is still working out his preferred line of attack.
He said: “We have had three forwards on the pitch at times, in other games we have gone with two and we have also played with a lone forward.
“We have created plenty of chances in the majority of games. I think there has only been one game when we didn’t manage to do that.
“We have good options but we are still trying to find that killer instinct.
“We have had good passages of play but we want to be putting relentless pressure on the opposition goal and asking questions of the teams we face.
“To do that we need to find the right formula.
“That is something we are still striving for but we are only five games in and I’m sure we will find it.
“I think it is important all of the players take responsibility for scoring goals – whether that comes from set plays or players chipping in with goals from the middle of the park.
“Niall McGinn has a decent return so far and his goal against Inverness last week was top class.
“We will be looking to score more goals than we have until now and that is the challenge for all of the players.”
The Dons, meanwhile, have been boosted by the news that vice-captain Graeme Shinnie looks set to be fit to face Dundee tomorrow.
The 25-year-old was substituted 33 minutes into last week’s 1-1 draw against his former side Caley Thistle after sustaining a foot injury – but McInnes expects the defensive midfielder to be involved at Dens Park.
He added: “Graeme trained for the first time on Friday.
“The physios were confident all week that he would be available and providing there is no adverse reaction, he will be available for Sunday.
“We have been without key players for stages this season and there was a point when we thought we might be without him so we are glad he is going to be ok.
“We had been without Jonny Hayes and Ryan Jack for a few games so to lose Graeme Shinnie would have been a real blow.
“Thankfully he is good to go for Sunday.”