Every Aberdeen player must show the same commitment, drive and fight as captain Graeme Shinnie when facing Rangers.
Inspirational captain Shinnie encapsulates the passion Aberdeen supporters feel for the club.
The Red Army sing “he’s one of our own” in honour of Shinnie because they recognise he has the same love for the club and desire to see Aberdeen secure success.
Pittodrie will be rocking as the Dons supporters unite behind the team on Sunday.
The Reds are bidding to secure back-to-back wins against Rangers at Pittodrie for the first time since 2006.
Aberdeen supporters created a phenomenal atmosphere in the 2-1 win against Rangers at Pittodrie on October 30.
They raised the roof and the unity and connection between the fans and players was a fuel that fired Aberdeen to a win.
Inspirational captain Shinnie
The Red Army will yet again bring that passion and Shinnie will do the same, there is absolutely no doubt about that.
It is down to every other Dons player to take their inspiration from their skipper and display the same fight and passion.
Shinnie represents everything you want in a captain in terms of character and drive.
On top of that he is also a quality player and has excelled in recent games since dropping back into the left-back role.
Shinnie always gives 100% and leaves it all on the pitch.
He knows what it takes to play for Aberdeen and also that it is an honour.
Aberdeen players don’t need to look far for inspiration as it is there in the training ground every day, in the dressing room and in games from Shinnie.
Aberdeen can beat Rangers again
I have no doubt the club captain will go into this game with only one thought – securing a win to boost the bid to finish third in the Premiership.
That has to be the outlook because if you try to hold on for a draw it invariably ends in defeat.
Aberdeen must take to the pitch at Pittodrie on Sunday with fire in their bellies and the over-riding belief that they can get a win.
The Dons also have to take inspiration from the previous clash against Rangers at Pittodrie when they won 2-1.
It was a scoreline that was flattering to Rangers as Aberdeen battered the Ibrox club, especially in a breathtaking first half.
Aberdeen are more than capable of dumping Rangers at Ibrox again.
Pile the pressure on rivals Hibs
After a shocking slump in form over winter there are green shoots of recovery at Aberdeen.
The Reds have only lost once, to Celtic, in nine games since the winter transfer window closed.
If Jimmy Thelin’s Dons beat Rangers in the Granite City for the second time this season it will send a resounding message that they are back on track.
It will also pile the heat on Hibs in the race to finish third.
Aberdeen are only one point behind third-placed Hibs, who face Dundee in a later kick-off on Sunday.
With only six Premiership games remaining this season the race for third could go right down to the wire.
In such a battle the characteristics embodied by Shinnie will be key – but every Aberdeen player must stand up and show them.
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