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Dons boss McInnes backs players to inflict first domestic defeat on Celtic

Derek McInnes' Dons have been beaten only once at home this season.
Derek McInnes' Dons have been beaten only once at home this season.

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes insists he has the players who can inflict a first domestic defeat on Celtic when the sides meet in the Betfred Cup final at Hampden on Sunday.

The Dons served notice they are ready for the game at the national stadium by coming from a goal behind to beat Caley Thistle 3-1 in Inverness on Saturday.

Kenny McLean scored twice to cap a fine display, while Jonny Hayes and James Maddison also impressed in a confident and composed display from the Dons and McInnes believes his players are ready for their date with destiny.

The Aberdeen manager said: “We’re looking forward to the cup final. We’re past the stage of just going there and being happy to take part in a final.

“We’re going there to enjoy it to the full and we can only do that by winning. Celtic are a tough nut to crack but I feel the players here are capable of getting a result.

“No one expects anything other than a Celtic victory but I’m confident we have the players who can challenge them.

“I’m just delighted to be in a cup final and having the opportunity to bring some silverware back to the club again because that’s where this club should be.”

Celtic have held the upper hand in the meetings between the teams so far this season, winning at both Parkhead and Pittodrie.

But McInnes is determined to deliver another trophy as the Dons bid to win the cup for the second time in three seasons.

He said: “We will have to ensure we get the balance right between attacking and defending but we will be picking a team which can win the cup.

“It says a lot about the players that they have kept their full attention on the league games since we reached the final and to go to Partick and win and go to Inverness and win says a lot. There was no pulling out of tackles and there was no one thinking of anything other than taking all three points.

“We’ve got players playing well and we have competition for places which means we have a job to do in picking the right team.”

Wes Burns missed the 3-1 win in the Highlands after suffering an ankle injury in training on Friday but McInnes expects the attacker to be fit and available for Sunday’s final.