Daily Record Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes insists Dons’ Scottish Cup dream is still on despite drawing Celtic awayABERDEEN’S hopes of going all the way in the competition for the first time since 1990 became more difficult after they were handed a trip to Parkhead in the fifth round

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DEREK McInnes is convinced Aberdeen can still seal a stunning cup double despite landing a nightmare Scottish Cup fifth round clash at Celtic.

The Pittodrie gaffer admitted a trip to Parkhead was the last tie he wanted but is confident his Dons can be shock troops in Glasgow next February.

McInnes insists his men can take heart after pushing Celtic all the way 10 days ago when it took two late goals to deny them a point in a 3-1 defeat.

The Dons are already in the last four of the League Cup and the manager has faith his squad can overcome the Hoops and stay on track for a glorious double.

McInnes said: “It’s the toughest draw possible but I’m sure Celtic will see it as a hugely difficult game too.

“It’s a great tie to be involved in and I’ve always said if you’re going to be successful in a cup competition you’re going to have to beat the favourites.

“I hope when the tie comes we’ll be in good form and full of confidence after going through to the Final of the League Cup.

“The fact it’s at Celtic Park makes it even harder but we have proved we’re capable of giving them a game.

“The players should also look at the bigger picture and be ambitious enough to go as far as possible in every tournament.

“I don’t think we should be content just because we have a semi-final in February.

“That shouldn’t be enough for the players. I told them at the start of the season that doing well in the two cup competitions was a target.

“To do that we’re going to have to beat the favourites and do it the hard way.

“Any team that is successful normally has to beat some good side along the way.

“Most people will expect Celtic to get through against us but it’s a good thing to take a challenge like this head on.

“We can now look forward to the Cup games at the start of February. They are both on the backburner at the moment, though. We just need to focus on the job in hand.

“I’m more concerned about our form right now, starting with the game against St Johnstone on Saturday. Hopefully we can start picking up points in the league again.”

Evening Express

Robson: Dons need right mentality to shock Celtic

BARRY Robson today claimed Aberdeen can find the winning mentality to shock Celtic at Parkhead in the Scottish Cup.

Aberdeen have landed a tough tie away to reigning cup holders Celtic in the fifth round draw.

The Dons have failed to take a single point in their last 17 league visits to Parkhead and recently lost 3-1 to the Premiership leaders in Glasgow.

But Robson insisted the Reds will go into the tie against his former club next February with the belief they can win.

The 35-year-old said: “We need to believe that we can get to finals.

“Without being arrogant we have to believe we can be as good as we can be and be successful.

“Top players at top clubs try to win everything they enter into.

“Teams like Manchester United want to win every cup they are involved in.

“That is the mentality we need to get at Aberdeen.”

Note: This interview with Barry was done Partick Thistle post match, before the cup draw was made on Monday.