Key Players - Morton vs Aberdeen

We take a look at some of the potential match-winners and game-changers ahead of the Betfred Cup semi-final between Greenock Morton and Aberdeen

Jonny Hayes (Aberdeen)
In the past 24 months, Hayes has replaced Niall McGinn as the true talisman of the Aberdeen side. When the winger is in full flow, it's almost impossible to keep out the Dons, as his pace, trickery and pinpoint crossing add so much weaponry to his side's arsenal. If he can get the better of Morton full-back Michael Doyle throughout the 90 minutes, it's hard to envisage anything other than an Aberdeen win.

James Maddison (Aberdeen)
Aberdeen were already a good team, but the August arrival from Norwich has really taken Derek McInnes' side up a level. Playing in the No.10 role, he's everything you want in a playmaker. He's quick, has great skill and technique, moves intelligently around the final third, score goals, and can take set-pieces. What's more, he occupies the mind of opposing defences, allowing Hayes and McGinn to flourish. Aside from praying Maddison wakes up on Saturday morning with a rather nasty cold, it's hard to imagine what Morton can do to stop him.

Andy Murdoch (Morton)
The match is sure to be a real baptism of fire for the former Rangers midfielder, playing in only his fourth game for the club. Murdoch is at his best sitting in front of the back four, keeping possession ticking over and closing down opposing attackers. That means he'll go head-to-head with Maddison and must do what no top-flight screener has done to this point, and that's figure out how to slow down the Dons midfielder. And when he's done chasing the likes of McGinn, Maddison and Hayes around the final third, he'll have to find some composure on the ball to help Morton play their share of football in the game. It's imperative the underdogs don't allow wave after wave of attacks.

Jai Quitongo (Morton)
Not only is the 19-year-old in great form, he's also perhaps got a point to prove after previously being with Aberdeen as a youngster. Similar to his father (former Hearts star Jose), he's got a bag of tricks in his locker, but also plays with a lot of pace, power and purpose. He'll be isolated for a lot of the game, but is definitely someone capable of creating something out of nothing. 

Adam Rooney (Aberdeen)
The striker will look to build up his confidence against a lower-league side after what's been, by his high standards, an indifferent start to the 2016/17 season. The good news for Rooney is that he's more likely than anyone on the field to be the game's match-winner. Aberdeen are going to have a lot of the ball, putting their opponents under a ton of pressure. If he can make the right runs and put the chances away when he gets them, then he'll be his side's semi-final hero.