Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has called on his players to ease the burden on striker Sam Cosgrove by contributing more goals.
The Dons forward has led the way for his club this season, scoring 18 goals for his side with Ryan Hedges, Niall McGinn and Andy Considine his nearest rivals in the Pittodrie goals chart on four.
While delighted with the return of his star striker, who is attracting interest from clubs in England, McInnes knows his talented forward cannot do it all by himself.
He said: “We have made the players aware everyone needs to take more responsibility in the attacking areas of the pitch. We’ve also spoken about the need to defend certain situations better.
“We need to be solid again in all areas of the pitch. We need to be better in the forward areas and everybody has to take more responsibility when it comes to creating and scoring chances.”
It is not just the offensive qualities which are in need of improvement at the club. The Dons have conceded five goals in their last two games against Hibernian and Rangers and the manager believes an improvement is also needed defensively, starting with tomorrow’s visit of Hamilton Accies.
He said: “I watched the Hibs game back earlier this week and we had some brilliant opportunities but we didn’t take them.
“We did a lot right in the game but the first goal is so important and it changed the game. Looking back all three goals we lost were avoidable.
“The goals we’ve lost recently have not been from set-plays, but when we are in possession. We’ve looked vulnerable at times and we need to see a real edge back in our play in that area.
“We want to get back to winning ways against Hamilton and the only way we can do that is to not give the ball away, take our chances and get back to keeping clean sheets.”
One man who McInnes will be hoping can bridge the gap between defence and attack is midfielder Funso Ojo.
The Belgian is in contention to return against Accies tomorrow after resuming full training following the hamstring strain he suffered on September 14 against St Johnstone.
The Dons boss said: “Funso completed his first full training session on Wednesday and we were delighted with him. He looks as good as ever and that quality, experience, poise and control was on display.
“It’s great to have him back but we’re mindful he has been out for a long time but he is available for Saturday. He will be in the 18 for Hamilton and will get a runout for the reserves at Rangers on Monday. All being well he will have significant game time there too.”