Adam Rooney says Aberdeen are putting next week’s Betfred Cup semi-final to the back of their minds as they chase a fifth successive win against Ross County today.
The Dons are looking to build on the momentum they picked up before the international break with victories against Dundee, St Johnstone, Rangers and Kilmarnock.
Rooney wants his side to keep the feel-good factor going ahead of next week’s Hampden showdown with Morton by making it five in a row against the Staggies.
He said: “We have been on a good run for the last four games.
“The performance has probably improved with every game.
“That is something we are looking to build on but we know Ross County are a difficult side.
“They have had a couple of decent results away from home against Hearts and Rangers.
“We know it will be a difficult game as they have some good players who can hurt us.
“We just have to take the positives and confidence from the last few games.
“We need to focus on the league first and foremost as the semi-final will take care of itself.
“That will be a big game and an easy one for everyone to get up for.
“But our focus just now is getting three points this weekend.”
Rooney, meanwhile, was an unused substitute for Ireland’s 3-1 win in Moldova last Sunday.
The 28-year-old was pleased to be edging closer to a first cap for his country.
He said: “I didn’t get any game time but it was still nice to be involved.
“We had two wins so it was a happy camp.
“I missed the friendlies at the end of last season and the chance to push for a place in the Euros squad because of injury so it was nice to get back in the set-up.
“It is always good to know you are on the radar.”
The Irish have made a far more promising start to their World Cup qualifying campaign than Scotland – sitting joint top with Serbia with seven points from three matches.
Rooney added: “Even though the performances haven’t been brilliant, we have managed to get results.
“The main thing is to qualify – no one really remembers how you get there.
“The lads have spoken about how good an experience Euro 2016 was.
“We are doing well. Scotland aren’t doing quite as well but it can change quickly. They are only three points off the top of the group.
“It is probably an overreaction from people.”