ALEX McLeish's heart-to-heart talk this week with former team-mate
Gordon Strachan has lifted a heavy burden from the Aberdeen captain.
The veteran defender has had to live with the pressure of knowing that
every mistake would bring renewed criticism that his career was
finished. But the second most-capped player in Scotland's history is
ready to prove them wrong by leading the Dons to Scottish Cup glory
again.
McLeish said: ''It was getting to the point where I couldn't sleep the
night before games, because I knew I had to go out and prove myself once
again.
''When I scored the own goal this week at Motherwell -- my first in 18
years -- all the whispers that I am finished surfaced again. Then I had
a talk with wee Gordon, who told me he had gone through exactly the same
situation in England. He passed on advice which eased my mind.
''I know the fans were prepared to make excuses for me last season
after all the injuries I'd come through. But not this season. I've known
I could not afford even one off-day and the pressure has been on in
every game.
''It is impossible to play well in each match and I have made
mistakes. Even so I believe I have had one of my best-ever seasons. I
will know before anyone else when it is time to quit.''
The Dons must beat St Johnstone for the first time this season to
advance their Cup ambitions. McLeish added: ''We must respect the fact
that they have drawn three times against us so far and put together a
half-decent run under their new manager.
''Realistically the Cup presents our best chance of a trophy. All the
teams are on equal footing, whereas Rangers have a five-point lead in
the championship.''
Meanwhile Aberdeen have turned to remarkable veteran John Burridge to
solve their keeper crisis. The 42-year-old former Hibernian man, now
with non-league Enfield Town, could step in for injured Dutch star Theo
Snelders and back-up Michael Watt, who is recovering from a broken leg.
Burridge, who also coaches the keepers at Newcastle United, said last
night: ''I'd love to play again in Scotland and I know I can still do a
job.
''Somehow I seem fated to play at Pittodrie -- I almost went there
from Sheffield a few years ago but the move fell through at the last
minute.''
Manager Willie Miller confirmed his interest in Burridge, but
youngster Derek Stillie will play against St Johnstone.
''I have one or two options available to me and Burridge certainly
provides one of them,'' said Miller.
The Pittodrie club also have targeted Charlton Athletic's tall reserve
keeper, Bob Boulder.
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