Peter Leven has admitted he's a "little bit" surprised to find himself back in caretaker charge at Aberdeen. 

Leven had a brief stint as Dons boss when Barry Robson was axed at the end of January before veteran Neil Warnock picked up the reins shortly after. 

But following just 33 days in the job, Warnock sensationally quit his role on Saturday off the back of guiding Aberdeen to the Scottish Cup semi-finals with a 3-1 win over Kilmarnock at Pittodrie. That meant Leven has to answer an SOS from chairman Dave Cormack for the second time this season.

Asked if it came as a shock, he stated: "A little bit. The result on Saturday helped, so the boys are in a good place. They just need to build on that now. 

"Just after the game, I got asked if I would take the next two games. I said I would always help the club in any way I can, and obviously it is my second time this season."

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Aberdeen face away trips to Dundee and Motherwell this week before the international break, and Leven reckons the win against Kilmarnock last time out has helped liven the spirits. 

He said: "It's massive. It's massive for confidence, it's massive for the players and for the fans. We always knew we had ability in the changing room so it's just about building on that and moving forward. 

"Every game is a tough game in this league but we have got to go there confident. We respect Dundee, they have done very well this season but this is Aberdeen - we want to win every game.

"I said to them today if they bring that desire and passion then their ability will come through. They are a talented bunch but we need to start tomorrow the way we did against Kilmarnock at the weekend. I thought their work ethic and attitude was spot on at the weekend."