Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes is confident the recovery is on after victory against Dundee on Saturday gave his team successive wins for the first time since September 20.
Niall McGinn and Adam Rooney scored the goals as Aberdeen beat Dundee 2-0 in the Premiership at Dens Park to move to within four points of leaders Celtic and four points clear of third-placed Hearts, who make the trip to Pittodrie on Saturday.
The recovery from an eight-game run without a win is gaining momentum and McInnes has praised his players’ character after coming through the poor run.
He said: “No one signs up to be a player or manager at Aberdeen and believe everything is going to be all right all the time. There are challenges which come our way and we’ve had to face them.
“But we’re on a good run at the moment and there has been an improvement. We’ve seen evidence in the last couple of seasons of the importance of keeping clean sheets and we are getting back to that again.”
The Dons’ improving performances has given McInnes confidence his side can extend its lead on the third-placed Jambos to seven points with victory on Saturday and he wants his players to repay the club’s support for travelling in big numbers to play their part in the team’s win at Dundee.
He said: “We’ve got a brilliant game to look forward to and the supporters will turn out in force again. The players are looking forward to it every bit as much. Every supporter had a decision to make on Saturday when they saw the conditions. For them to turn out in the numbers they did was greatly appreciated and we were delighted to send them home happy.
“Hopefully we can do that again against Hearts on Saturday.
“We all know Hearts are a good side. They showed that in the Championship last season and again so far this season. Given the league positions of the sides it has the makings of being an exciting game and a big one.”
McGinn, who was excellent against the Dark Blues in his first half showing, was withdrawn at the interval as a precaution after missing most of last week with a groin injury. McInnes expects the Northern Ireland international to be fit to face Hearts, but knows he has cover if required and highlighted Peter Pawlett’s equally impressive showing as McGinn’s replacement at Dens Park.
He said: “Niall didn’t train until Friday but at 2-0 up on a heavy pitch we were sensible and took him off at the right time.
“It was a great opportunity for Peter to come on and show what he can do. He certainly did that. He hit the bar and nearly scored with another chance.”
Aberdeen’s Scottish Cup fourth round match against Hearts on Saturday, January 9 will kick-off at 5.30pm for television coverage. Both Rangers and Celtic’s matches have been put back to Sunday, January 10.