Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes insists there will be no letting up from his side this season despite the Dons facing another short summer break.
Rangers’ win against Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final on Sunday means the Scottish Cup winners will play in the Europa League next season.
As a result the Dons will return to Europa League duty on June 30 in the first qualifying round first leg along with Hearts
Having faced the same scenario a year ago the Aberdeen manager used the early start to this campaign as a factor in his team selection in the post-split matches last season.
But despite conceding defeat in his team’s attempt to catch champions Celtic, who are eight points clear at the top, McInnes is determined to finish this Scottish Premiership campaign in style.
He said: “We can’t think the season is over. We have work to do and Hearts have continually spoken about trying to finish above us this season, so we have to hold off their push for second.
“We are eight points clear of them now but we want to increase that lead and finish the season strongly.
“I want us to concentrate now on winning games and finish the season strong. I don’t want us to be sitting on 75 points thinking that’s us finished. Things can change quickly and it is important we win the next game at St Johnstone.
“We’ve always had the right approach and it is important supporters see that.
“We’ve protected players for the following season in previous years but we’re going all the way this year and want to push for as strong a finish as we can.”
The Dons have been boosted ahead of their trip to St Johnstone on Friday by the return of Adam Rooney from a thigh injury, while captain Ryan Jack could also feature despite being stretchered off in his side’s 2-1 loss at Hearts on April 8.
McInnes said: “We are hopeful Adam will be ready for Friday. He has work to do to prove his fitness but if all goes well the plan is for him to return.
“There is no ligament damage for Ryan either which is pleasing and if he continues to improve there is a chance he, too, could be available on Friday.”
Midfielder Barry Robson also returns from suspension for the trip to Perth, while McInnes hopes Peter Pawlett will be given the all-clear to resume full training next week.
