Billy Dodds was a goalscorer the last time Aberdeen won the League Cup back in 1995, in fact the last time the Dons won anything, and he reckons that they could collect silverware again this weekend against Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
That prediction comes with a pretty major warning as the former Scotland striker reckons that if Inverness get ahead in the game and Aberdeen are forced to change their style a Highland win will be on the cards.
Dodds said: “I would dive in and say Aberdeen will win. However the thing that will be playing on the minds of the people there is that they have been on a good run before and Inverness went to Pittodrie and beat them in the League.”
“That might act like a wee jolt that can be needed at times. Aberdeen also got a jolt at Partick Thistle recently when Thistle deservedly beat them 3-1 at Firhill. However they recovered from that and went out and beat Celtic so Inverness and then Thistle beating them may not have been that great for Inverness.”
The 45-year-old said: “Both clubs are on the verge of history. Inverness are in their first major final and Aberdeen are going for their first trophy in 19 years.”
“If the two teams play to their best then Aberdeen will win however if Aberdeen have an off day and Inverness play well it will happen for them. I fancy it to be a right good game but it will not easy. It will not be 2-0 or 3-0 as Aberdeen will be mindful of that warning they had from Inverness so they may have to settle for a one goal win.”
Before the Red Army get too comfortable Dodds had a warning for them after watching their game at Firhill last month as he said: “I was at the Partick Thistle game and I would suggest that the one thing Aberdeen do not want in the Cup Final is for Inverness to take the lead. If they do that it will totally go against Aberdeen’s plans and style.”
“Aberdeen have good experienced players and have done well this season but if they go behind like they did to Partick, teams will do to them what they have been doing to other teams. Thistle counter attacked them and that left Aberdeen looking ragged and open.”
“Lyle Taylor who scored two that day could have scored even more. The best way for Inverness to win the Cup is to get the lead and force Aberdeen to open up. That would suit Inverness and it will not suit Aberdeen to go behind and chase the game.”
Inverness have other qualities as Dodds explained: “They have a good work-rate in their team. They are like St. Johnstone with a strong spirit and work ethic. Everyone is a worker and there are no superstars.”
“Billy McKay gets a lot of headlines with his goals and that is like Stevie May at Perth but they will be the first to say that it is their team-mates that have helped by creating chances.”
“Aberdeen have good individuals probably more than Inverness have but I feel that Inverness have the stronger team spirit. If they go ahead they have an almighty chance of winning. One thing Inverness have to do is to stick to the team pattern that has served them well over recent years.”
Dodds added: “They tried something different against Dundee United in the Scottish Cup last weekend and it never worked as the 5-0 defeat more than indicated. Going back to the shape they are used to and has served them well will instantly make them a stronger side.”
If Aberdeen are to win, Dodds will be pleased for a youngster who was just starting out when he scored against Dundee in November 1995 in the 2-0 Coca-Cola success.
Dodds said: “Russell Anderson was a young boy when I was there and it would be great for him to finally win something. He has had a good career and is a fantastic guy who deserves to win silverware but he needs to be on top of his game.”
“Lyle Taylor gave him a really hard time and that must be a concern. I am not sure if this season will be his last, his body will determine that, but it would be great ending if it is. He has never won anything in his career.”
“He played in League Cup Final in 2000 and then Scottish Cup Final against me in 2000 when I was with Rangers. Jim Leighton got injured early and Russell was injured early as well so he has had a couple of close calls.”
“Aberdeen did not score in their last two Finals so I hope that Russell sees some joy this time. I am sure he knows that Thistle was a poor game and he was caught out by pace. They will not want to leave gaps at the back and have Russell exposed.”
The 40,000 plus backing that Aberdeen are receiving is a pleasant surprise to Dodds who said: “I know that Aberdeen fans really get behind their team when they go on Cup runs. The one in 1995 was great for me, the team and the fans. I scored against Falkirk, scored in the quarter final at Motherwell and then in the semi-final against Rangers where I scored twice before netting against Dundee in the Final.”
“It was a great Cup run for me all the way through.”
There could be a new Cup hero for Dons fans now with Dodds saying: “Adam Rooney with 6 goals in 8 games could be the man this time. He has fitted in with the way Derek McInnes wants to play really well.”
“Derek wanted a striker with mobility and who could score goals. You don’t always get that but Rooney has given Aberdeen that. Kris Boyd can score you goals and whilst his fitness is getting better all the time he does not give you the mobility that Rooney has. Boyd is probably the better finisher but there is not a lot in it.”
Dodds continued: “Rooney has improved playing down in England and he will be up for playing against his old team as is Jonny Hayes and Barry Robson. That will give the game a wee edge that Inverness do not have as they don’t have any ex-Aberdeen players.”
The closest they will have is Graeme Shinnie who is an Aberdeen boy. I had his brother Andrew on loan when I was at Dundee and they are both good players.
The former Scotland striker was of course coaching at Queen of the South when an expectant Aberdeen were knocked out of the Scottish Cup 4-3 at the semi-final stage.
The Dons never handled that occasion and Dodds is mindful that there is probably more pressure on the Pittodrie men in this game as he said: “There is a lot of expectation and pressure on Aberdeen. I think they will win and a lot of people will think that they will win and they have to handle that.”
“If they go behind and Inverness are looking for them to open up and chase the game they have to show that they can handle the pressure of not losing another goal. They turned it around against Celtic but they have not had to chase games too often this season.”
“I keep on going back to Partick Thistle as it could have gone higher than 3-1 that and that must be a worry. As much as I think Aberdeen will win it the pressure is on them and they have the weight of expectation.”
Dodds finished by saying: “Aberdeen have had a warning from Inverness and if Inverness go in front and make Aberdeen chase the game, Inverness can win the Scottish League Cup.”
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