Aberdeen boss Jim Goodwin insists captain Anthony Stewart meant no disrespect with his comment about Rangers’ strikers.
And he insists the club skipper, and also his Dons team-mates, will learn not to make provocative comments about opponents in the future.
Centre-back Stewart said Antonio Colak was better than Alfredo Morelos ahead of Sunday’s League Cup semi-final clash with Rangers.
The comment could fire up Colombian Morelos who is set to start at Hampden as Colak is rated doubtful due to injury.
Stewart will lead out the Dons at the national stadium in the bid to reach a first final since 2020.
Goodwin insists the Reds will respect Rangers but show “no fear”.
The Dons boss also delivered updates on Liverpool loan star Leighton Clarkson and striker Christian Ramirez who have both been linked with moves away from Pittodrie.
Goodwin said: “Anthony hasn’t meant any disrespect with the answer he’s given.
“It’s regrettable that he got drawn into that type of conversation and I can’t see that happening again in the future.
“We don’t want to focus too much on the opposition.
“It’s really important we put all our attention on what we are capable of and what we can do.
“Anthony will learn from it and the other players will learn from that type of comment as well.
“In future I think he’ll do better to avoid it.”
Goodwin’s ‘no fear’ Hampden call
In the pre-match press conference held at Hampden this week Stewart said: “Colak is a better striker than Morelos in my opinion. Just the all-round game.”
Morelos looks certain to start at Hampden as Croatian Colak is struggling with a knock sustained against Dundee United at the weekend.
Colak has scored 14 goals this season, Morelos five.
Boss Goodwin was more diplomatic than his captain but also issued a “no fear” rallying call.
When quizzed on Colak and Morelos, he said: “I will say what I wish my captain had said – they are both very good strikers, both proven at this level.
“Rangers are a good side, we respect the opposition.
“But we are not going to fear the opposition on Sunday, that’s the biggest thing.
“This isn’t a league game where there’s points at stake, it’s a one-off game and we have to try to win it.
“There are no prizes for just putting on a good show and getting beat by the odd goal.
“We have to go there with lots of belief and I think the group is in a really good place at the moment.
“We give Rangers respect, do everything you expect a professional club to do such as analysis and set-plays.
“But we focus on what we can do as well – that’s very important.”
Goodwin on Clarkson’s future
Liverpool midfielder Clarkson, 21, is set to start for Aberdeen at Hampden on Sunday.
The loan star is reportedly a target for West Brom, Reading and Queens Park Rangers this month.
Goodwin is confident Clarkson will remain at Aberdeen for the rest of the season having had assurances from the player and the Anfield club.
He said: “Leighton has been a very consistent and high performer for us.
“He’s scored some really important goals for us as well.
“So it doesn’t surprise me that there are teams down in England and abroad looking at him.
“We have had assurances from Liverpool who are delighted with the progress he has made.
“Going off the conversations I’ve had with Leighton, he’s really enjoying his time at Aberdeen and doesn’t want that to come to an end.
“He’s happy here, Liverpool are happy with him being here.
“And we will continue to try to get the best out of him between now and the end of the season.”
🚀 🤯
WHAT. A. GOAL
👏🏽 Leighton Clarkson.#StandFree | #cinchPrem pic.twitter.com/4mz4FIP3bL
— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) August 7, 2022
No Ramirez exit before semi-final
Meanwhile striker Ramirez is reportedly close to sealing a return to the United States.
But it won’t happen before Sunday’s semi-final.
MLS clubs Columbus Crew and San Joe Earthquakes are both understood to be interested in taking Ramirez back to the United States.
The USA intentional, who netted 15 goals last season, has been a peripheral figure this term.
Ramirez has six months left on his Dons contract.
The recent 0-0 draw with Ross County was the first Premiership start this season for the 31-year-old.
On Ramirez, Goodwin said: “The window is open for another couple of weeks and there is always going to be interest in good players.
“We have got a number of players who want to play more regular first-team football.
“Nothing will happen before Sunday.
“I’m just trying to prepare the squad as best I can before the big game at the weekend.
“Whatever happens with any individuals after the game on Sunday we will cross that bridge.
“For the time being, yes, there probably is a bit of interest but nothing is done yet.”
Myslovic set for debut at Hampden
Loan signing Patrik Myslovic, 21, will be eligible to face Rangers on Sunday after his paperwork was completed.
Paperwork ✅
🇸🇰🤝 We can now officially welcome Patrik Myslovič as a Don. pic.twitter.com/rtjn956byh
— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) January 13, 2023
The midfielder, on loan from Slovkian club MSK Zilina, missed the 2-0 defeat of St Johnstone as his work permit and visa had not been processed in time.