After a convincing 4-0 win over Ross County at Pittodrie Derek McInnes reflected on a good day’s work.

“A strong performance, we've got to be pleased with another 4 goals and a clean sheet. The only sour note is Ash's injury, other than that it was a good day's work.

“Conditions were difficult for both sets of players, it was important that we had to fight for any little advantage.

“I thought we started well and got our goal. I think the sending off makes it more difficult for Ross County, having seen it back it was the right decision. I wasn't so sure at the time. And then we get the second goal having passed up a few chances.

“The players came out for the second half and I thought we did the right thing more often than not. It's not always easy playing against 10 men, sometimes the space is even more difficult to find.

“We got the balance just about right, we probably could have done with a few more crosses in the second half but it's good to score 4 goals against a good team.”

The manager was asked about Ash Taylor's injury…

“He felt his thigh, like a twinge when he went in for the challenge and his leg went behind him a bit.

“It all depends how it reacts over the next 48 hours. We'll send him for a scan on Monday and see how it is. I'd have to say he'd be a doubt for next week.

“It's great to have someone like Mark Reynolds on the bench to come on. Mark has had to bide his time and it shows the importance of having that level of player in your squad.

“Morton are a good side and it's important that we have some good league form going into it. We have got that killer instinct about us and we are enjoying winning, the players are working hard and the level of performance individually for a few players has went up.

“Since that Dundee game the level of performance form certain players has been excellent.

“Morton have had a brilliant result today and I think that is good for us. Obviously Morton will be confident going into the game but it is good for us to have seen them when they are at their best.

“Adam's performance was good today and he got in good positions to score goals, he was unlucky with being just offside. Too often we have been dependent on McGinn, Hayes and Rooney so it was good to not only have good performances from they boys but also to see real competition.

“In the international break Jayden took advantage of the time and came in and trained with the U20's and he has got his reward. His training has been of a high standard over the past month or so and we have been eager to get him on the pitch but the performances have been very good from Rooney and others.

“I am delighted to see him coming on and getting a goal.

“It's no bigger an occasion for Morton than it is for ourselves. Although it's our third semi-final in 3 and a bit years it is still a big deal for us. Next week I want us to play well and bring a performance but it is all about getting through.

“We will go there confident but we are very aware of our opponent.

“We don't care about the venue too much. The atmosphere won't be anywhere near what you would expect, there would normally be a full house and that's not going to be the case.

“The kick-off time has not gave us a chance to get the best crowd in there. The players will see the importance of getting to a cup final and hopefully we are good enough to do it.”

“The kick-off time has not gave us a chance to get the best crowd in there. The players will see the importance of getting to a cup final and hopefully we are good enough to do it.”