Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has told his players there is no room for error if they want to pip Celtic to the Premiership title.
The Hoops are five points clear of the Dons after their goalless draw at Dundee on Tuesday and McInnes’ Reds have the chance to reduce the gap to two points by beating Hearts at Tynecastle tonight.
McInnes is eager to keep the pressure on Ronnie Deila’s Hoops but knows his club’s hopes of winning the championship rely on a near flawless finish in the final six games of the campaign.
Aberdeen face a stern test of their title credentials at Tynecastle.
McInnes said: “We know there is no real room for error if we want to keep close to Celtic. Hearts are a very good side. We thought they would be a strong side this season and they have been. They have managed to put together a good squad.
“They deserve huge credit for how they have performed this season. They have some very good players. They have quality there and they have shown that this season.
“Hearts have grown through the season. They are a very confident side and have good experience in the right areas and we know it will be a very a tough job.
“When we won there in the league we were very strong that day. We got ourselves in front early on and played very well in the first half. To win on Friday we will have to put in another very strong performance.”
The mood in the Dons camp is buoyant, however, after a resounding 3-0 win against Hamilton on Sunday.
There were lots of positives for the Aberdeen manager and he has called for a repeat showing in Edinburgh tonight.
He said: “Willo Flood and Ryan Jack were excellent in supplying the full backs constantly, turning the ball over for us, using it sharply and were bright in that area.
“We knew they would be up against three Hamilton players in there, so they had their work cut out but they made sure they got the game going forward.
“Simon Church has been vital, especially with Adam Rooney being out, as his goal return has been excellent.
“The pleasing thing about Sunday is that it is about results at this stage of the season but the performance was excellent.
“To bring that level of high quality was really pleasing and we’ll need another performance like that at Hearts.”
