Calderwood is spoiled for choice
Diamond and Severin both fit again but not assured of a speedy first-team return
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Jimmy Calderwood has never had it so good. Even the loss of attacker Jamie Smith has failed to temper the Aberdeen manager’s belief he has more selection options than ever before in his time at the Pittodrie helm.
Smith’s calf injury, which will rule him out for a fortnight, would normally bring a sense of doom to the Dons.
But the positive vibes are emanating from Pittodrie and Calderwood even has the luxury of having his captain and vice-captain, Scott Severin and Zander Diamond, both fit but not assured of a speedy return to the starting line-up.
Calderwood said: “I cannot remember a time when we have had more options.
“We have had good teams over the years but I do not think we have had a time like this when we have so many players available and in contention for places.
“It says a lot when we have our captain and vice-captain back fit and not guaranteed to come back in.”
While Calderwood is in positive spirits, he has attempted to motivate the Red Army for back-to-back league matches at Pittodrie.
Aberdeen host Hamilton Accies tomorrow and Dundee United are the visitors seven days later.
The Dons have already impressed on the road, picking up 1-0 victories at Motherwell and St Mirren in the SPL and the same result in the League Cup at Ayr United.
Calderwood is confident his side is in good shape on its travels, now he wants to establish a winning formula at home.
He said: “The next two games are a big test for everyone, including the supporters.
“I am not worried about the away games now.
“We have showed so far this season we can cope away from home but now we have two homes games and I really want us to get the supporters buzzing.
“The big question is how we are going to do at home when teams come here to defend against us.
“The supporters can play a massive part. They have high expectation levels, but so do we.
“The atmosphere at the European games last season was unbelievable.
“I have been involved in some big games, but that was the best I have seen.
“We are always expected to win at home but it would be great to have that sort of atmosphere every week.”
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