Aberdeen defender Mark Reynolds admits losing tomorrow’s second-place showdown to Motherwell would take some of the shine off an otherwise successful season.
The Dons could finish Scottish Premiership runners-up for the first time in 20 years providing they avoid defeat by the Steelmen at Pittodrie tomorrow.
After four successive seasons of bottom six finishes, the 2013-14 campaign, which included ending the club’s 19-year wait for a trophy by winning the League Cup, has been a memorable one for those of an Aberdeen persuasion.
But Reynolds is desperate to avoid ending such a positive season on a disappointing note with a defeat by Motherwell.
He said: “If we don’t finish second it would feel like a failure. I think that’s the case for both teams. It would feel that way straight after the game anyway.
“The job Stuart McCall has done at Motherwell is incredible because his team gets ravaged every season.
“He loses five or six players every summer but he brings in more and they keep challenging for the ‘best of the rest’ spot.
“So, for different reasons, either of us would feel like we’ve fallen short. But four or five weeks down the line, regardless of who finishes second or third, we’ll all realise it has been a successful season. But on Sunday if we don’t do it then we’ll feel bad.”
On a personal level, Reynolds has been one of Aberdeen’s most consistent performers this season and was named the player of the year at the club’s annual dinner on Thursday.
The 26-year-old is likely to be in Scotland manager Gordon Strachan’s thoughts for this month’s friendly against Nigeria on May 28 at Fulham’s Craven Cottage.
Reynolds said he would love to be included when Strachan names his squad on Monday.
He said: “I’ve not really concerned myself with Scotland because the manager knows who he’s looking for and the kind of players he wants.
“All I can do is keep playing away for Aberdeen and if he wants to give me a chance then that would be great. All I can do is keep working hard here and see what happens.
“Of course, if it did happen it would be great. Everyone aspires to play for their country and I’m no different. I’d love to get the chance but it’s going to be the Scotland manager’s decision. I’ve not got round to booking a holiday for the summer yet – so, I’m available if he needs me.”