Facing Hibernian in next month’s Scottish Cup semi-final was the draw the Aberdeen supporters were hoping for but Dons manager Derek McInnes says the Championship leaders should not be underestimated.
The Dons, who defeated Partick Thistle 1-0 in Sunday’s quarter-final, were delighted to avoid treble-chasing Celtic, who will take on rivals Rangers in the other last-four showdown.
But McInnes says the Easter Road men, who are attempting to retain the trophy, will be a difficult opponents to overcome.
Neil Lennon’s side knocked Hearts out of the competition in the fifth round before advancing to the Hampden semi-finals with a 3-1 victory against Ayr United.
McInnes said: “Hibernian weren’t favourites when they played Hearts in the last round but that counted for nothing.
“They weren’t favourites to win the cup last year but it is more or less the same group of players. They are arguably better with the additions they have made.
“They have a very experienced manager in Neil Lennon who knows what going to cup finals is all about.
“They have a lot going for them and they picked up momentum from beating their closest rivals.
“Hibs are a club heading in the right direction and looking like having a very good chance of being back in the Premiership next season.
“It has been well documented how strong a team they are. We will give them every respect while making sure we make as tough as possible for them.
“Hopefully we can go into the game in good form.”
McInnes, meanwhile, was delighted to see the hard work paying off for Graeme Shinnie after he netted the decisive goal that earned the Dons victory against Partick.
He added: “Graeme has been practising hard on his shots from the edge of the box. He does it time and time again in training.
“He is becoming more confident.
“We thought there would be opportunities to shoot from that distance as the Partick Thistle defence has a tendency to defend deeply.
“Graeme has scored a couple of goals this season but that is something he is keen to add to his game.
“We were delighted to win against tough opponents.”
