Gary Mackay-Steven previewed the Dons Betfred Cup Quarter Final with Motherwell on RedTV. The Aberdeen winger spoke openly about his recent incident in Glasgow during the International break and was keen to thank the Red Army for the support they have given him:

“As well as the manager and all the staff, and the boys in the dressing room who have been great with me, the supporters have been brilliant. There were a few songs from various stands at the games. Some of them were funny and I did have a chuckle to myself.

“I knew the fans here were tremendous before I was at the club. I know it even more now. They always come out in their numbers to support the team and I really appreciate the support they have given me personally over the past few weeks.

“One minute you are having a good time and the next minute you are floating down the river. Luckily I am still here to tell the tale.

“It was pure silliness from my part. I now want to put it behind me and move on.

“I now want to put that episode behind me and get people talking about my football.

“I had no ill effects after that night. It is now all systems go for the football.

“I have had ups and downs in my career, whatever they may have been. Being mentally strong is a big part of being a footballer. My character is quite laid back and relaxed and I think that puts me in good stead for what happens on or off the field.

“The past couple of games have been frustrating for the team.

“We have gone through phases when it has looked like we are in complete control of the game and for whatever reason we have let teams back in. We have dropped points in the league the past couple of weeks which is frustrating for everyone concerned. I think we are playing well in patches but we just need to sustain that. When we score the first goal we then need to go on and dominate and score a few more.

“We have been working hard on the training ground. I think it is just little things we need to tweak because we have all got another gear to reach. The next few games are big games for us so hopefully we can find our rhythm.

“We all feel we are doing ok but we can do better. And that is all we are focussed on. We have made an ok start and have accumulated some points but we can get better and show what we are really about.

“We have had a good few months for playing and training so now is the time when we really need to kick on. I am sure it will happen.

“There is pressure to win every game at this club.

“The more pressure the better really. It is something you want as a player. To have those expectations on you all the time, it brings out the best in you. You are constantly under pressure to perform. We are expected to challenge for the cup competitions and that is a good thing. Players thrive on that.

“Motherwell have been doing well. They are strong at home. They don’t concede too many goals and their two strikers have been doing well. It will be a real test for us but there is no reason why we can’t go down there and claim that semi-final place at Hampden and get the three points in the league. That is what we will be aiming to do.

“With the business end of this cup tournament in November, it means who have some really big games early in the season. The boys last year were involved in the final last year. I was involved with Celtic. Cup finals are great occasions and we all want to get back there.

“It is good being involved in cup finals but you want to be contributing. You want to be out there playing and really feeling you are part of it.

“It would mean a lot to everyone involved with the club if we could win some silverware. But first of all we have to get through a very tough game on Thursday.

“I am loving life in Aberdeen. I really feel settled with the group of boys and I am starting to see more of the city. I have got a flat now so I feel settled. I am really enjoying it.

“Hopefully I will be hitting the headlines on the back pages from now on.”

“Hopefully I will be hitting the headlines on the back pages from now on.”