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Aberdeen v Caley Thistle: John Hughes challenges players to finish second

John Hughes is looking for more goals from his team
John Hughes is looking for more goals from his team

Caley Thistle manager John Hughes has urged his players to show they can challenge for second place in the Scottish Premiership by beating Aberdeen at Pittodrie tonight.

Derek McInnes’ Dons hold an eight-point lead over Inverness but Hughes knows a home defeat in the Granite City would leave the contest wide open.

Hughes says the faltering Dons have found league results almost as hard to come by since February as his own team but was keen to hammer home a reminder to his own camp given the rich rewards that still lie within Caley Thistle’s grasp.

He said: “We’ve nothing to fear and we’re more than capable of going there and beating them.

“Can we catch them? They’re a wee bit in front of us but if we beat them we’re right on their tail.

“All teams are scrapping for results right now – it’s that time of year. It would just be a bit disappointing if we didn’t go and achieve European football when it is so close to our grasp.

“Pressure comes with opportunity and we have to make sure we handle it, though the football might not be as slick as it can be.

“I keep reminding the players we’re doing something that we love and we’re going to be playing in the Scottish Premiership next year come whatever, so to go and express themselves.

“That’s the mindset we need to have to play with freedom.”

Hughes, seeking three points to end a run of five league games without a win, knows Aberdeen, too, have lost ground with draws against Partick Thistle and Dundee as well as a heavy defeat at Celtic.

But none of that dims his admiration for the job counterpart McInnes has done at Pittodrie.

Hughes said: “Aberdeen have been superb. Derek has done a fantastic job and I always enjoy going to Pittodrie. I’m looking forward to it tonight.

“They’ve signed a very good player in Kenny McLean and have had the luxury to do that with the financing the club enjoys.

“He’s a very good Scottish player and they’re getting Graeme Shinnie, another great lad, from us next year.

“I’ve no doubt Shinnie will let all the Aberdeen supporters know what they’re getting tonight.”