Former Dons and Dundee United attacker Craig Brewster believes Derek McInnes’ class of 2015 can handle the pressure of being League Cup holders.
Two of Brewster’s former clubs meet at Hampden Park tomorrow for the right to face either Celtic or Rangers in the final.
And he believes Aberdeen’s stability in securing most of its first-team on long-term contracts might just give the Pittodrie side the edge.
Brewster played for United between 1993 and 1996, scoring the goal which secured a 1-0 Scottish Cup final victory against Rangers in 1994.
A successful foray into management with Caley Thistle attracted the Tannadice club, who appointed him Gordon Chisholm’s successor in 2006. However, his return to Tayside lasted just 10 months before he was dismissed. Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood tempted Brewster back into playing at the age of 40 in 2007, and he helped the Dons finish third and qualify for the Uefa Cup, before he was reappointed Inverness manager at the start of the following season.
Brewster, who now works for Brighton’s youth academy, reckons transfer speculation about some of United’s young players may have affected manager Jackie McNamara’s preparations. By contrast the bulk of Aberdeen’s squad has been secured on new contracts although Brewster is still struggling to predict a winner from tomorrow’s match.
Brewster said: “Both clubs are in good shape just now. Aberdeen are going really well, pushing Celtic all the way in the league. There are a lot of positives coming out of the club, with a few players signing long-term contracts.
“Looking at Dundee United, Jackie McNamara has done a fantastic job there. But all of a sudden Gary Mackay-Steven has signed a pre-contract with Celtic, who are also looking to sign Stuart Armstrong.
“It’s fantastic as a club that people are wanting their players, and if Armstrong leaves they are going to get good money. But Jackie will be disappointed there’s a little bit of negativity, with people signing for other clubs.
“But it’s all about what happens on the day, who wants it most, who can get the first goal, and who can grab a hold of the game.”
Derek McInnes’ Reds are the holders, after they won last season’s competition with a 4-2 penalty shootout victory against Caley Thistle at Parkhead.
Brewster reckons the Dons can handle the pressure that comes with retaining their trophy.
He added: “Semi-finals are fantastic for the winners, and horrible for the losers.
“I don’t think Aberdeen will be under any pressure as the holders, they’re flying just now. David Goodwillie and Adam Rooney are scoring goals, although both teams have got goals in them.
“I believe there will be goals in the game, it will come down to who wants it most on the day.
“Harder work means better play, and that usually determines the winner.”
Brewster has fond memories of playing in matches between the sides, and the 48-year-old is expecting a superb atmosphere at Hampden Park.
The former Hibernian and Dunfermline forward hopes both teams put on a display worthy of the occasion and added: “A Dundee United versus Aberdeen game was always one to look forward to.
“When the teams played at Tannadice, Aberdeen always filled their end, while United took a good support going up to Pittodrie. The atmosphere was always fantastic.
“Both clubs are going really well just now, especially Aberdeen given where they are, and given the number of supporters they’ve got attending games.”