Aberdeen attacker Adam Rooney has challenged his side to build on success at Partick Thistle after helping his club get back to winning ways at Firhill yesterday.
Rooney’s 14th goal of the season helped the Dons put the disappointing of their 2-1 defeat by Celtic in their last outing behind them as Derek McInnes’ players moved to within four points of the champions and second-placed Caley Thistle.
Rooney was pleased to play his part in what was a crucial game for the Reds following victories for all four teams above the Dons in the Premiership on Saturday.
He said: “It was important we bounced back after losing to Celtic in our last game and we are two points better off than we were at this stage last season which is pleasing.
“We’ve kept four clean sheets in our last five games and it’s the sign of a good team that it can be solid and carry a goal threat. Hopefully, we can build on this result.
“I want to score as many goals as I can and hopefully they will keep coming.”
Rooney’s goal was a contentious one for Partick, with the Jags players and manager Alan Archibald aggrieved at the decision not to flag David Goodwillie for offside after the Dons attacker had ducked to allow Cammy Smith’s high ball into the box to run through to goalkeeper Paul Gallacher.
The ball took a high bounce, forcing Gallacher to tip the effort out for a corner and, from the resulting delivery, Abdul Osman blocked Mark Reynolds’ header, leading to the penalty which Rooney converted.
Rooney said: “It was a great shot by Cammy. I don’t think Goodie made any attempt to get the ball and it bounced up towards the top corner and the goalkeeper had to make a save.
“He made a great save and I actually thought it was in. He did the same last year when he made a great save in the first half. He also went the right way when I took my penalty, so I was pleased to see it go in.”
After yesterday’s win the Dons’ attention turns to the fourth round of the Scottish Cup and a trip to Dens Park to face Dundee in one of five all-Premiership ties this weekend.
Rooney said: “It’s set us up well for what should be a really good game at Dundee. It was a really difficult match there in the league a few weeks ago but hopefully we can win and get through to the next round.”