Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes believes momentum is with his side as it chases down Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic.
The Dons, who qualified for a place in the Europa League next season after St Johnstone and Ross County’s 1-1 draw at Perth last night, are one point behind the champions and travel to Motherwell on Saturday full of confidence.
Aberdeen supporters have thrown their weight behind McInnes and his players.
Well have opened the top tier of the South Stand at Fir Park as the Red Army make plans to travel in big numbers to Lanarkshire.
And with 1,900 tickets sold so far, the Dons are hopeful of having a 2,500-strong support on Saturday.
McInnes is delighted with the response and is counting on supporters to play a part against Mark McGhee’s side. He said: “It will be tough for us at Motherwell, but we intend on making it even tougher for them. We’ll go there with a big support and we’re already looking forward to it.
“We want to get as much momentum as possible. Motherwell are another team who will be scrapping for three points like Kilmarnock were on Saturday and we will go there expecting another difficult game.
“It will be a tough challenge, but we are looking forward to it.”
The Dons have suffered just one defeat in their last nine league games to move within a point of the Hoops, a run McInnes believes proves his side is up for the challenge. But he knows only wins will do in the remaining eight games as the championship chase enters the home straight.
He said: “We won’t get pats on the back for finishing second.
“Every game is a challenge, but my players are looking forward to games and feeling confident. It is individual performances which will matter, more than character or bottle, which so many people seem to be interested in.
“We have demonstrated the ability to go on winning runs and want to do that again now. We always try to win matches and when we are one up we always try to get a second goal.
“But it’s no use being unbeaten. We have to win games. Hearts are chasing us and we are chasing Celtic. We’re in the middle and have our own work to do in the next weeks ahead.
“The good thing is we have good energy and good momentum. We have a lot going for us. I have total trust in my players regardless of the injuries. We have real belief in each other that we can win games and the importance of winning all our matches is clear.”
