McInnes wants more trophies

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes is desperate to hold on to the League Cup trophy then won against Inverness CT last year.

The Dons face New Firm rivals Dundee United at Hampden on Saturday in the semi-finals, with both sides enjoying excellent seasons.

He said: “It’s got a bit more weight behind it, this fixture, when both teams are doing well. We are both at the top end of the league and that’s where we should be.

“It’s always a competitive match, but if it’s in the bottom six then it’s not the same. I think us being strong is important and I think certain clubs being strong is important for Scottish football.”

The Reds have been impressive in the league this season, threatening to challenge Celtic for the title but the 43-year-old, who served United as a player, rejected any claims that his team are favourites for Saturday.

He said: “I wouldn’t say we are favourites. I think both teams are evenly matched. Although we have had the upper hand in recent seasons, there is a healthy respect from both sides. Both teams have players that can go and punish you and cause problems.”

The rivals have been two of Scottish football’s shining lights in recent years. They have been challenging towards the top of the league and have done so with young, talented Scottish players.

From Aberdeen’s point of view, they managed to top that off by winning this competition last year, prompting fans to dream of a return to the glory days of the 1980s.

McInnes believes that it would be an important achievement to retain the trophy.

He added: “A lot of teams can win a cup then disappear and not challenge for a trophy again. This is our third semi-final. We have demonstrated with our form that we have a lot to build on from winning a trophy. Rather than having it as something to remember, we want to win it again.”

Last season’s cup triumph was the club’s first silverware in 19 years. The manager, who had spells with St Johnstone and Bristol City previously, understands what it meant to the supporters.

He added: “There was a huge relief. The amount of fans that turned out showed the depth of feeling and the desperation to win a trophy again. It was a must. It had been hanging over us for a long time. There is now a lot of optimism and we have a lot going for us.”

McInnes seems determined to deliver more success to the people of Aberdeen. It would be a brave man who bet against him doing just that.

By Blair Meikle (University of the West of Scotland)