Derek McInnes insists he will be comfortable with the players he has at his disposal if he fails to add to his Aberdeen squad ahead of tomorrow’s Europa League tie with Burnley.
The Dons manager has been trying to recruit a replacement for Adam Rooney, who joined Salford City last week. It was reported yesterday the Dons and Peterborough failed in bid to land former Hibernian striker Eoin Doyle, who is out of favour at Preston.
That would leave Sam Cosgrove and Stevie May as his only senior strikers heading into tomorrow night’s encounter at Pittodrie.
Midfielders Lewis Ferguson, Stephen Gleeson, Chris Forrester and Dominic Ball have been brought in, while a decision on defender Krystian Nowak, who has been on trial, is expected prior to the Burnley tie. Goalkeeper Sebastian Gessl is on trial but adding another stopper is not a priority this week.
McInnes understands the clamour for signings and remains hard at work to strengthen his squad, although Niall McGinn and Andrew Considine are expected to be back available again after injury.
He said: “We’re trying our best and we’d love to produce players ahead of Thursday’s game if we can.
“I was really encouraged by the game against West Brom on Friday night and you can see the fitness and familiarity between the players.
“We gave a good account of ourselves against a very good team. We’re up against a top team on Thursday and it’s important for us to focus on the ones that are in the building and if we can get something to help us before then, then great. It’s a brilliant game – it’ll be a sell-out no doubt. We’re looking forward to pitting ourselves against a very good side.”
The game is heading towards a sell-out in the Granite City in what will be Aberdeen’s first game against English opposition for nearly 37 years. Their last encounter was against Ipswich Town in the 1981-82 UEFA Cup when they knocked the holders out 4-2 on aggregate.
McInnes was encouraged by Gleeson’s return to the first-team last week with the Irishman coming off the bench in the 1-1 draw with West Brom on Friday night.
He added: “He did a very good session on Saturday morning as well, which took him a step forward.
“The knee injury he picked up at St Johnstone was unfortunate – contact injuries happen in pre-season – but it’s great to have him back because we didn’t think we would.
“He showed, when he came on, what type of player he’s going to be for us.”
