View from the Dugout from RedWeb
Derek McInnes
"It's a game that's been eagerly anticipated by everyone and we're looking forward to it. It's the type of game we want to be involved in at Aberdeen. I think for the players, the staff and the supporters certainly it's a game that we are all itching to get involved in and get started.
"Supporters and some of the staff and players have been through tough days in the cups but that means nothing. Cup competitions are all about on the day and on Saturday, we play St Johnstone not 15 years of history.
"The players have got the club into a situation where we can be successful, and I can't speak highly enough of them and their efforts. But they know full well that we still have it all to do, not least in this competition. We are the same 90 minutes away from the final as the other three clubs. When you start to get this close, the supporters start to picture the cup final but we have always said that we take it one game at a time.
"All along I've said we've got to try and be professional. We are well aware of what's happening out there but I do think we have to make sure there is the same focus, the same level of concentration that we've shown consistently this season.
"My hope is that the players just concentrate on the game and play to the standards we have reached this season, then everything will take care of itself. Play the game and not the occasion, go out and do what you have been doing for the majority of the season".
It's a great opportunity for us - it's the same opportunity as it is for St Johnstone obviously - but it's one we are determined to make the most of.
"We are well aware of the level of support that's going to be there for us and getting right behind us. I think it's important to utilise that support. Having three quarters of the ground getting right behind us, we have to try and take full advantage of that. The support have their part to play, it's not just enough being there in numbers- although we are grateful for that- it's important they don't get too anxious and they get right behind the team, however the game is going, whether the game's going well for us, a stalemate or we have to come from behind, they have to stay with us.
"I think that the players have shown real perseverance and determination- not only in the cups to get us here but in the league as well.
"We have to believe we are good enough to get through the 90 minutes and win the game. St Johnstone games are normally very tight and I am sure it will be a tense affair, but what an opportunity for both teams to reach a League Cup final. Sometimes it comes down to mental strength and teamwork as much as ability and I think we have shown we have that this season."
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