Dons number one Kelle Roos was the player who was made available to the media this week ahead of Saturday’s Scottish Gas Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden against Celtic.

“It is for great for the club and the team that we have clarity on what is going to happen in the future. It is very positive. It is something we have been waiting for a little bit, but it seems like they have got the guy they wanted and that is the most important thing.

“To get the guy they want, and get a good structure in place.

“Also for the new manager coming in, so he knows he has time to work and plan the things that he wants. For the players, once we meet him, we will get to know him and see what he wants and see how he wants to play.

“It is good for everyone. Not just for the players as a group but for everyone involved with Aberdeen.

“I understand there was a lot of frustration right now amongst the fans. We are also frustrated with the way things have gone in the league. The only thing that really matters now is the future. We need to knuckle down and stick together as a group.”

“It is very hard to say why we have been a good cup team this season but struggled in the league. If we knew, then we would have done something about it before now. It is probably down to a number of things. Our busy schedule has not helped us – it is not an excuse – but it has not helped us. Changes around the place has not helped us.

“The changes have had an impact. But it is not only the squad of players, it is all the staff here and everyone around involved with the club. A new manager comes in, with new plans and new staff and new players, it is not ideally for the whole working environment. It is also part of football if you under perform. And the reality is that we have under performed in the league.

“As a player, speaking about myself again, the fact a new manager is watching changes nothing. Some people might say that players will put more effort in. If that is what drives you as a player, then you are doing something drastically wrong. I will be doing all the same things I have been doing.”

“No one sits in this chair and says we are where we want to be. But that makes Saturday even more exciting, the thought of getting something from the game.

“Celtic are a very good side. They have caused us a lot of troubles in the past. You can see that they have some exceptional players. But at the same time, the games at Pittodrie this season, we have shown that we can give them a difficult game. And that is what we need to focus on. If we play to the best of our ability and get everything right on the day, we might cause them problems as well. We need to be ready for whatever they throw at us.

“What is needed, is a lot of courage. You know that if you sit off Celtic the whole game they are going to be able to hurt you, they move the ball so quick at times. We need to try and be aggressive and be accountable. When we show courage that is when we show our strengths and that is going to be important for us.

“(With Graeme missing) nothing really changes for me in terms of that (showing more leadership). It is something I try and do anyway. What goes without saying, and it is massive, we are going to miss our captain. It is not ideal but that is why we have a squad, so we can fill any gaps. Someone needs to come in and do a job in his position.

“I focus on my own game, and I know I will be busy one way or the other. I need to be ready for whatever they throw at me. On the day we will find out what that is. I just need to make sure I do the job that I always do and try and help the team in front of me as much as I can. If it is a little bit more quiet, it is then my voice that will play a big role. And if I am busier then it is the saves that will play that role.

“These games, semi-finals, they are a great chance to do something special. Some people might say it nice to get a day out at Hampden. I don’t look at it that way. These days are great if you win. They are not great if you don’t win. And that is how simple it is. So we are going to go there and try and win a game of football.

“It is clear what a good result would mean. As a group we realise that, and that includes all the staff. This could give us the lift that everyone needs.”