One of the positives so far this season has been the performances of Hayden Coulson. Equally in defence and attack the left back he has impressed. No wingers have got the better of him and his cross for Duk’s header at Easter Road highlighted his ability at the other end of the park.

“It is always good to help the team out with goals and assists. But unfortunately it did not count for anything. It was always going to be a tough game, and then what happened, happened. It is well behind us now.

“All the lads are going into the game in a positive frame of mind. We know what we are coming up against and have been working on the game plan this week. The pressure is on us to find a way to break them down.

“We had a few days off during the international break to spend time with our families and then we have had a good week’s training, working hard and working on our shape.

“We have to go out and prove we can do it. We are looking forward to it.

“After the defeat before the international break, it is important that we bounce back with a positive result. Everyone was devastated after what happened at Ross County and then the defeat at Hibs, we are all very disappointed with the two results. But you can’t dwell on it. It is a long season, with a lot of games. We are looking ahead and not back. There are a lot of big games coming up this month.

“I am thoroughly enjoying my time at Aberdeen.

“I was playing for the Middlesbrough U23’s, trying to get some minutes and my agent then told me of the interest from Aberdeen. I know the manager had contacted some of my ex mangers to do a bit of background research and to find more about me. As soon as I heard I was keen to come straight up.

“It is good to come up here and play regular first team football. All the other players, the gaffer and all the staff have made me feel very welcome from day one.

“I am enjoying playing in Scotland. Obviously I was up here five or six years ago so that experience has helped me. It is a different type of football to the English Championship, a different style, but I am enjoying my football and playing with confidence.

“It is a very competitive league. We know there is going to be a lot of competition for those European places.

“I am not thinking too far ahead.

“I know I am going into my final year at Middlesbrough so for me personally it is just about getting back out there and playing football. I have had a tough couple of years previous to this with injuries and not playing. I know it is a big year of me. I am looking forward to playing regular football and showing what I can do.”