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Aberdeen to fight tooth and nail for Europe spot

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes believes his players are showing they are up for the fight for third place.

The Dons dug deep for the second game in a row on Saturday as they had to come from behind to beat Hibernian.

The 3-1 win came after a rousing fightback from 2-0 down to earn a point at Kilmarnock and the crucial win on Saturday means the Dons are now one point behind Motherwell with the two sides set to meet at Fir Park on Friday.

McInnes is convinced the desire is there from his side.

He said: “I’m really pleased with our work in what was a big game and the nature of this league is that each game becomes bigger. We have to be winning games now and not relying on others.

“If we can continue in the manner we have done of late we won’t be far away from what we want to achieve this season.

“I’m not interested in how the table looks just now. It’s so important we finish third at the end of the season and a club like Aberdeen should be playing meaningful games.

“We have got ourselves in this situation due to inconsistency, and if we can mirror what we’ve done and keep winning the next game will become just as important.”

While delighted to see his players show their resilience on Saturday, the Dons boss is disappointed his side allowed Hibernian to punish them by taking the lead.

He said: “I thought the scoreline played out as a deserved one, in the end. It was a positive second half performance.

“There wasn’t much in the first half but Hibs showed a better attacking intent than we did.

“We spoke about when Hibs turn the ball over, with Martin Boyle and Christian Doidge’s energy and speed, you can quickly be defending, and that was what happened for the goal.

“We were guilty of giving the ball away in their half and they brilliantly exploited it.”

“We had it all to do in the second half and the players did it brilliantly.

“The intelligence of the team was what impressed me. We carried a threat in the wider areas, got pressure in the box and I’m delighted to win the game.

“Niall McGinn was involved in all three goals and he is so important to us. It was his third game in a week and he goes mad at me as he doesn’t think it is an issue. He brings a calmness and his decision making is excellent.”