Derek McInnes

“I thought we thoroughly deserved all three points.

“But it wasn't easy. I think a combination of a few things made it so that there wasn't the same rhythm and flow to our game.

“Firstly I thought Inverness, the way they set up, they were well organised and very competitive. The went with a front two which gave them an out and it always kept us on our toes. I never thought we were home and dry.

“Their back five and their three in the middle of the park restricted our space at times. When we did find space and got it moving we looked as if we could add a second goal and we passed on a few opportunities to get the second goal.

“I think when your playing teams who are fighting for their lives, as Inverness are, when it's only 1-0 they will keep going. I thought they did very well. I said before the game I'm surprised Inverness are at the bottom of the table.

“I do think they've got enough there to get themselves away from it.

“There's still no doubt that we deserved to win the game.

“I thought we were guilty at times of not taking the shot on or being a bit wasteful with the final pass.

“I think by in large we never quite got to the same level of performance that we're capable of but we were still worthy of all three points.

“We can’t always play sparkling football. At this stage of the season it is all about results. We are delighted with win and the clean sheet. We are delighted to stretch the lead on the teams behind us.

“I think sometimes in recent weeks, certainly on this run Joe Lewis has not had a lot to do and that's probably down to the work rate in front of him.

“As a team tonight we never really had the same intensity to our play. I think in terms of when we're in possession and against the ball I thought we didn't try to get enough pressure on the ball.

“Inverness managed to play between us a little bit and got themselves into decent positions. It's a nice reminder of how good a goalkeeper we've got.

“Joe has been absolutely fantastic since he's come here. I think they're two saves which he probably should make, but he did make them anyway. It a reminder of how lucky we are to have him. I think he's a fantastic goalkeeper, having him there at vital times is important to us.

“I think it's important for our own objectives to just keep winning as many games as we can.

“We go into the last seven games of the league now where we face Rangers twice, we play Celtic, we play St Johnstone twice and Hearts. So you're in to some tough games, everybody will find that, so it will be difficult to keep winning run going that we're currently on. We look forward to the game nonetheless.

“If you'd said that we'd be 10 or 13 points clear of Rangers ahead of their game tomorrow night, we'd have been delighted with that.

“So it's another game less for us, it's another three points and we'll look forward to Sunday when it comes along.

“We have been producing a good level of performance. The players individually have been playing at a good level. Tonight we did not quite get to that level and I think there are reasons for it. The combination of a good Inverness team and us looking a bit leggy. Also the pitch played difficult which does not allow any quick passing.

“Even when we were not at our best tonight we have still found a way to win. And I thought we deserved the win even though we were not quite at our best.

“The players are a big down because they did not reach the same level of performance but it is the same three points as the 7-0 win.

“We are looking forward to the game on Sunday. It is a game that is always eagerly anticipated with both sets of supporters. Both sets of fans will turn up in good numbers. And hopefully together we can make it a good day for us.

“Winning ten home games in a row is a fantastic achievement.

“I think it is right to mention the ten wins in a row. We mentioned it before the game today. To surpass the record of the 1986 team, who were the last team to achieve nine wins, is no mean feat. It was a team littered with top players. Our team will find it’s place in history now and will be remembered by future generations as a right good team.”

“I think it is right to mention the ten wins in a row. We mentioned it before the game today. To surpass the record of the 1986 team, who were the last team to achieve nine wins, is no mean feat. It was a team littered with top players. Our team will find it’s place in history now and will be remembered by future generations as a right good team.”