Craig Brown on RedTV
“We’re very pleased that Russell has happy to commit himself to an extension of his contract because he is a very influential player and very influential guy around the club, in the dressing room and beyond. It’s terrific to have him committed. I was dreading the thought that he may consider retiring but he’s please to have another season at least. He’s certainly a model professional and a terrific example for everyone so that’s a great bit of business for everyone.
“Following the big disappointment of last weekend we have a chance in the next few weeks to redeem ourselves because we have four out of the next five at Pittodrie. The support we received at Easter Road didn’t deserve the result we inflicted upon them. There is genuine apology from the entire dressing room and from me. At the risk of repeating myself all I can say is that our squad is ready to do the utmost possible to gain as many of the points available to ensure at least top 6 status. Our aspirations in the Cup having been dented now remain with the SPL and the lads are in no doubt about where the priority lies.
“We haven’t had the group together unfortunately since the Hibs defeat because there is international commitments and I am very pleased to see two got a game for Northern Ireland, Niall McGinn has been a regular in the team but Josh Magennis got part of the game, Joe Shaughnessy was away, Danny Rogers and Clark Robertson so half the squad have been away therefore it’s not been appropriate to get them together. They know having been told after the game the requirements now. The requirement now is a strong league finish so if we can possibly achieve that it may compensate a little for the very unfortunate cup exit.
“The good news in the last few days is the return to almost full fitness on the evidence of training of Gary Naysmith and Ryan Jack. Although the players in their positions have acquitted themselves more than competently it is very pleasing to have our “two new signings” back after a long absence. Folk have asked about new players in the transfer window, well we have had three who returned during the window; Isaac Osbourne, Rob Milsom, Stephen Hughes and now Ryan and Gary will undoubtedly freshen our team for the vital run in. Still out, unfortunately for the rest of the season, are Andy Considine and Chris Clark but we have surely enough resources to compete with any rival team in the meantime.
RedTV | to watch the managers pre match conference in full please click here
