Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes reckons his players have it all to play for despite squandering the opportunity to draw level on points with Celtic at the top of the Premiership.
The Dons missed the chance to heap pressure on the champions by losing a controversial match 3-1 against Caley Thistle on Monday evening.
McInnes’ players were furious with referee Willie Collum for his decision to award Inverness a penalty kick for a foul on midfielder Ross Draper by Aberdeen defender Ash Taylor when there appeared to be minimal impact at best, while their appeals for penalties following second-half challenges on Graeme Shinnie and Ash Taylor fell on deaf ears.
The result ended Aberdeen’s 12-match unbeaten league run, but the frustrated players have little time to feel sorry for themselves with a trip to Partick Thistle next on Friday evening.
The Aberdeen manager said: “We have got 36 points to play for.
“We move on to Friday when we will try to return to winning ways as soon as possibly can.
“It is important we demonstrate the same spirit and determination we have shown over the last 12 games on the unbeaten run.
“We just try to win the next match and get on with it.
“We want to start another winning run, but we know that will be difficult against Partick Thistle.
“We have got to pick ourselves up. There is no criticism of my players as I think they have been terrific in this run.
“We overcame a lot of challenges and answered a few people. It is up to us to keep answering those questions and get back to winning ways as soon as possible.”
The Dons are likely to be without midfielder Jonny Hayes who suffered a hamstring injury on Monday but Willo Flood, an unused substitute against Caley Thistle, and captain Ryan Jack are nearing fitness.
After suffering a first league defeat since October, McInnes is demanding a reaction from his players against the Maryhill Magyars.
He said: “The plan is to go on another run, but we will need to make sure we bring a good level of performance into Friday night’s game.
“I don’t think we were at our best against Caley Thistle by any stretch of the imagination.
“We aim to be better on Friday and get all three points.
“We always want to demonstrate that reaction after losing.
“We have not lost too many this season so it is important we try to get on to another run.”