latest news from the first team squad
Derek McInnes spoke to RedWeb at Aberdeen Airport before the Dons flew off the Dublin for their week long pre-season tour.
“Andrew Considine has not travelled as we only wanted to bring boys who would be involved in the games. Andy has work to do back at Pittodrie with the physio and he will probably not be back in full training with the first team squad for another two or three weeks. In Warwick it was different as it was about getting the boys fit and integrating the new players into the squad. This week is all about the games and getting the match fitness up. Unfortunately Andy is not quite really for that. When he comes back we need to make sure he does not push it too much. I would not want to put a timescale on it but it is unlikely he will be ready for the first couple of weeks of the season. We will see how things progress.
“Defensively we are a bit short with Andy being out. We are well covered in midfield and in attack but we were hoping to have Andy back in time. Apart from another goalkeeper though, which we hope to get tied up this week, this will be the squad we will be working with this season.
“We have players who can deputise in defence. We have played a few players out of position in the opening pre-season games because we were not giving boys the full 90 minutes yet. We have tried Chris Clark, Craig Storie and Nicky Low at full back and young Scott McKenna has stepped in. Competition for places in the middle of the park will be fierce so the fact guys like Chris are versatile is a strength for them.
“By the time we return from Dublin next week I think we will have the goalkeeping situation sorted. Until you get everything done and dusted and the player officially signed you are never totally confident. We do have a few opinions. We are channelling all our energy into keepers who are a viable opinion for us – not those that are too expensive or still with clubs for the next little while. We want someone on board as quickly as possible. We are looking at both permanent and loan deals.
“The games in Ireland will be tough. It is a good place to go as all the teams will offer good opposition. We will be playing on good pitches, the hotel and training facilities are excellent and we don’t have too far to travel. Also coming to Ireland allows a chance for the supporters to come and watch the side.
“The Irish League season is up and running so without being disrespectful they will be a notch up from the games we have played so far. We play UCD on Tuesday night and have had some good results against MK Dons and Peterborough recently. Their fitness levels will be good and they have quite a bit of talent in their side. All the games will be a good test.”
Fixtures in Dublin:
Tuesday 16th July v UCD, UCD Bowl, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, KO 7.45pm
Thursday 18th July v Malahide United AFC, Gannon Park, Coast Road, Malahide, KO 7.30pm
Saturday 20th July v Shelbourne FC , Tolka Park, Richmond Road, Drumcondra, Dublin, KO 3pm
photos Newsline Scotland
