Jon Gallagher previewed a busy and big week for the Dons when he spoke with the Red Matchday Editor on Tuesday:

“A lot of games at the moment, big games but as a player that is what you want and look forward to. It keeps things very exciting.

“As a player you don’t enjoy as much the part of the season when games are spread out.

“It always gives all the boys in the squad an opportunity, especially at the moment with all the injuries that we have. It tests the strength of your squad.”

That strength was tested to the full on Saturday and will again be tested at Tynecastle.

“Saturday was not exactly a classic game of football but we knew it was going to be that way going into the match and had a game plan to cope with it. I thought we executed it quite well against a side who are in decent form.

“It was not very pretty but on that surface, particularly when it is as dry as that, it does not lend itself to a decent game of football. The important thing was that we took the three points and could then move onto preparing for Wednesday.

“I can feel for the fans who have come down in their numbers and paid good money to be entertained – so they do not want to watch a game like that. But as I say we knew going into the game that it would not be pretty. Once we had that mindset we were ok and able to deal with it. You would certainly not want to be involved in a game like that every week, but football is a results business and sometimes you just need to grind out a win any way you can.

“And that will be the case on Wednesday.

“The players have spoken to me about playing at Tynecastle and said that it is a great compact stadium for playing football. They say it feels like the fans are on top of you with the way the steep stands are set up, and there is a great atmosphere as we always have a big support down there.

“So I am looking forward to that.

“Hearts had a good win on Sunday which will have given them confidence but we are trying to focus on ourselves. If during the game we are playing well then we will give them problems to deal with.

“There is a cup semi-final ahead for the winners so that is what we have got our eyes on. We understand just how big a game this is.”

During his short Aberdeen career Jon has already been utilised in defence, midfield and attack. In the past some players have felt that their careers have suffered from not having a main starting position, whilst others have excelled.

“I am a victim of my own versatility at times! To be completely honest I am just happy to be out there on the pitch, trying to do my bit to help the team.

“It is not something that overly worries me.

“I am comfortable in numerous positions and it is something I have had to do throughout my career.

“I want to be able to give the manager options. A lack of bodies is an issue at the moment with the depleted numbers in midfield centrally with Craig and Funso out. The manager thinks I can slot in there and do a job so that is what I try to do.

“The manager will tell me what he wants me to do and I just have to focus on my job and try and do my best. I have to try and win my individual battles.

“Sometimes I might be asked to do a role that is not always pleasing on the eye but it is an important one for the team.”

Off the park, how is the Irishman settling into life in the North-east?

“My time in Aberdeen has been really good so far.

“I am getting a bit more used to the lifestyle and the culture up in the north of Scotland.

“The weather is slowly getting worse! But I was prepared for that! It is a very nice city.

“The boys have been great. It is a really good group of lads and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time so far with them. They have made it easy. As have the staff and the supporters.

“Adjusting to new surrounding has not been an issue because I am used to moving about. I am adaptable and just get on with things. When you are a footballer it is very rare to be stuck in the one place the whole time.

“It is tough when you don’t settle somewhere. You want to be comfortable off the pitch. It allows you to focus on your football and just to be happy.

“I have moved almost every two years of my life so I am used to it. When I knew I was coming here I knew how important it would be to focus on my football so I could improve as a player. But as I say, my teammates made it a very easy transition.”

Finally, Jon’s arrival from America has been keenly watched over on the other side of the Atlantic where the sport continues to grow steadily, particularly in the Southern states where his Atlanta United side are based.

“I have had a lot of people reach out. They have been reporting back that I have been doing well and getting what I wanted out of the loan – that is playing big games such as the Quarter Final on Wednesday.

“With social media it is a lot easier to check in and see what people are doing. My friends in the US are able to keep tabs on me.

“It has surprised me a little that supporters in Atlanta have also stayed engaged with my progress but it is nice.”