Skipper Graeme Shinnie spoke to the press on Friday to preview the William Hill Premiership game at Pittodrie on Sunday against Hearts. The skipper was full of praise for the fans who have made the game a sell-out with two days still to go.
“The atmosphere is brilliant at Pittodrie at the moment and we need to match that with our performance. It gives us a lot, not just in terms of motivation, but that we have to live-up to that on the pitch. It’s up to us to give them something to cheer for and get behind us to use them as that 12th man. Stepping out and seeing so many fans behind us it does give you an extra edge. But we have to make sure that we go out and use that in the right way.
“We’re focused on trying to continue our run and continue what we’ve been doing well, build on it and keep getting better. And that is really where our focus has been.
“Although we have had good results recently, we are still trying to grow.
“There is a lot of competition for places. It pushes everyone here to know their positions are not safe and that’s very healthy for the squad. That is the way it’s got to be at a club like this and that’s testament to the management and staff for the work they have done. Players have already proved they can take their chance and that’s crucial for us.
“Obviously we lost Bojan who was key for us last season, but that has been sorted out. I was out for the game against Motherwell and Ante stepped in and we won. Pape was injured for the Dundee game, but we won that. That’s down to everybody knowing the jobs they’ve got to do and being focused when called upon. It’s a long season and everybody will need to do their bit.
“We know it’s going to be a tough game, and these games between Aberdeen and Hearts always are.
“Hearts are a good team coming off the back of a very good result in Europe. We all know what standard of player they’ve got and the talent in that squad is very good. We are well aware of the threats they pose and they will be coming here with confidence after beating Dinamo Minsk.
“That means we need to be at the top of our game to make sure we keep our winning run going. Hearts are in a false position, let’s be honest.
“Football’s mad. Mad things happen. We all know that, but what we know is Hearts are a good side, and we’re well aware of that, and we know what we’ve got to do to try and win. I think the league table now will be different come the end of the season. And like we said, football’s mad.
“Anything can happen as there’s still 32 games to go and at this stage it’s about trying to get better. There’s a long way to go. We need to have full focus on what we’re doing, which is has been what’s been good for us so far this season.
“We’ve been focusing a lot on the style of play and what we’re trying to do and try to get better in each game, and I think at this stage of the season, it is trying to continue that and strive to keep getting better with it. And obviously, on top of that, winning games is also key as well.”
