Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes believes Wednesday night’s Scottish Premiership match at champions-elect Celtic is coming at a good time for his side.
The Hoops set a new record of 27 matches without defeat in domestic football by beating Hearts 4-0 at Parkhead yesterday while the Dons extended their winning run to five matches with an impressive home 3-0 victory against Dundee on Friday night secured by a Ryan Jack header and a Niall McGinn double.
McInnes’ men have lost all three meetings against the Hoops this season with a 4-1 loss at Parkhead in August followed by a 1-0 reverse at Pittodrie in October and a 3-0 defeat in November’s Betfred Cup final.
But the Aberdeen manager feels his in-side form is ready to give a better account this time around.
He said: “We are on a strong run, that’s five wins in five so we want to continue that.
“We still have a game in hand with the home match against Motherwell and there is still a lot of football to be played. I think there’s still more to come from us.
“We have had some good performances lately but there are still bits and pieces that can be tightened up.
“The signs are good, so I’m happy with how things are going right now.
“We are looking forward to the game on Wednesday night now.”
The more immediate concern for the Aberdeen manager is bolstering his squad before tomorrow night’s transfer deadline, while hoping the window closes with Cardiff City target Jonny Hayes still at the club.
McInnes was pleased with Hayes’ performance against Dundee on Friday with the midfielder replaced in the closing stages by debutant Ryan Christie after providing the assist for McGinn to complete the scoring with the game’s final goal.
McInnes said: “Jonny was a bit quieter at times but exploded into the game. He did his job for the team, but we didn’t get him going as much as we would like.
“But with Jonny and Niall McGinn in the team and playing well, they are threat for everyone.
“With Ryan Christie coming in, we have added quality to the team for the rest of the season.
“We are delighted to bring him in and although he only got a few minutes coming off the bench it was good to get him into the team.”
Stevie May, who could join Aberdeen on a loan deal until the end of the season, was an unused substitute in Preston’s 1-1 home Championship draw against Ipswich Town on Saturday.