Derek McInnes insists it is too early to be making any rash calls about Aberdeen’s fate this season.
The mood around the Dons had become somewhat gloomier after heavy defeats against the Old Firm, despite the promising result away to Motherwell.
They were afforded little time to dwell on their humbling by champions Celtic at Pittodrie, with Hamilton last night. That task was navigated, Lewis Ferguson’s goal handing them a 1-0, to restore some positivity around the side.
McInnes said: “There were loads of positives from the Hibs and Motherwell game then Celtic arrive and give us a belt in the mouth. We’re a good bit away from taking Celtic on at the minute but we can keep picking up three points. We’re only 10 league games into the season so it’s still early for making any rash decisions.
“We feel we can be quietly confident to meet what we set at the start of the season. I’m learning about my players and they’re learning about the demands of playing for Aberdeen. They’ve got to respond. The test of any man is having that enthusiasm in between failures. There’s no point sucking your thumb and dwelling on Sunday. We had to be ready and I’m pleased with the players’ focus.”
Craig Bryson was restored to the starting line-up but was taken off at half-time as a precaution, after injuring his ankle in the first half.
McInnes said: “He wanted to play on and probably could have but with his ankle in recent weeks and the surface, he had rocked it. The surface was good but you have the concern with players landing on it. It was another 45 minutes to add to the 45 he got on Sunday.”
The Dons manager was pleased with the display of striker Sam Cosgrove, despite the club’s leading scorer not getting on the scoresheet last night.
He added: “We all expect so much from Sam now. He was frustrated in the first half-hour and he probably should have scored.
“But he led the line brilliantly up there. I saw him coming off with a bit of a long face but there’s nothing wrong with your number nine being disappointed he’s not scored. But he played his part.”