Aberdeen midfielders Niall McGinn and Barry Robson should be fit to take on Kilmarnock at Pittodrie on Saturday.
McGinn missed Tuesday’s 2-1 victory at Partick Thistle with a foot injury, while Robson was forced off in the closing stages having only entered the fray as a substitute with 24 minutes remaining.
Dons manager Derek McInnes confirmed yesterday he will appeal the one-match touchline ban he received for being sent to the stand by referee Bobby Madden in last week’s 1-0 win at Dundee United.
The Scottish FA have charged him with breaching rules over conduct and allege he used offensive, abusing and insulting language towards match officials.
The hearing will take place at Hampden on March 24 and if the charge is upheld McInnes could face a longer ban at a crucial stage in the title race.
But the Aberdeen manager will be in the dugout for Saturday’s visit of Kilmarnock for Pittodrie and is hopeful Northern Ireland international McGinn will be fit.
He said: “I think Niall will be fine for the weekend. We are going to get him scanned as he has a sore part on the top of his foot where he took a kick in the first half against Dundee United when Paul Dixon caught him.
“He didn’t train until Monday but then he managed to train without any ill effects.
“He was named in the team to face Partick but, when we were going through our set-plays on the morning of the game, he was feeling a pain when he was kicking the ball.
“We made the decision if he didn’t play on Tuesday we would hopefully have him available for Saturday.
“It wasn’t the news we wanted but hopefully he be all right for the weekend.”
McInnes was delighted with Robson’s contribution during Tuesday’s crucial win which moved the Dons to within a point of Celtic and piled the pressure on Ronny Deila’s side.
The 37-year-old was brought on for Craig Storie with the Dons trailing to Steven Lawless’ goal, but helped set up Simon Church’s winning goal with an excellent delivery from a corner kick.
McInnes added: “Barry’s influence on the game was clear. He set up the winning goal and a piece of quality like that can be the difference in a tight game.
“He was brought on to give us a bit more balance in midfield and to give us an added attacking threat.
“He took a sore kick towards the end of the match but I spoke to Barry after the game and, Barry being Barry, said ‘I’ll be there for you on Saturday again’.
“I don’t doubt that.”