DEREK McINNES might have been forgiven had he bemoaned Scottish football’s hierarchy for choosing the national stadium as the venue for the Betfred Cup semi-final between his Aberdeen side and Morton.
The Pittodrie manager had previously voiced his concerns over the wisdom of such a decision – not to say the one to impose a 12.15pm kick-off.
But last night he sought, instead, to put a positive spin on the issue by underlining that, as a semi-final, he would be prepared to play it anywhere.
“I need to be honest here,” he said. “We could play that game in the car park, anywhere, it doesn't matter.
“It could have been maximised better for the convenience of the supporters and had more atmosphere at a full house somewhere else, and I think the attendance will reinforce what I'm saying.
“I don't think we did the right thing, but I'm not complaining. It's always special playing at Hampden and we just want to make sure that we're good enough to get back there when it is a full house and we get to sample 50,000-plus for the final.”
McInnes admitted to being an admirer of Morton and their manager Jim Duffy and insisted neither he nor his second-placed Premiership side would take the Greenock outfit for granted.
He expressed his delight, too, that Jai Quitongo, a player rejected by Aberdeen following a short-term deal a couple of years ago, was hitting the heights for the Cappielow club and attracting attention from south of the border where Crystal Palace, Hull City and Swansea City are said to be keen on the 19-year-old striker.
“He was one of the younger ones in the Under-20s with coach Paul Sheerin,” he recalled.
“We'd seen enough of him to give him a deal at the end of the season.
I know the family well, I know Jose, [the former Hearts and Hamilton player] his father, well, but he just didn't really settle. It's good for him being nearer home; he's the type who needs that family network round about him.
"He was a good kid and I liked him because he had a wee bit of an edge to him, a confidence, but he was one of the younger ones and didn't feature regularly in the Under-20s.
“He was scratching about a wee bit and we spoke to his agent and we said we'd try and help him find a new club.
“We spoke to a few managers about him but Jim Duffy saw something in him. He's definitely raw but he's got pace and strength and it's great to see him do so well.
“You've got to be honest with your assessment when people phone you. But Jim's grabbed him and he's brought something to them. He's just getting better and better.
“There was no falling out, no bearing grudges. I think it's a good story really because some younger ones are maybe not sure if they can get a club and whether to stay full-time, and I think he's done exceptionally well.
“As bizarre as it seems, I'm really pleased for him and I just hope he's quiet enough on Saturday. But I've no doubt that having watched a lot of their games he's got potential.”
Aberdeen will have captain Ryan Jack available following his eight-week absence with a knee injury, although centre-back Ash Taylor, hurt early in the 4-0 win over Ross County last weekend, is a doubt.
Whatever his line-up, McInnes insisted there will be no complacency because the opponents are from a lower league.
“I want us to play well and I want us to show what we're all about,” he said.
“If we can replicate some of the performances we've had of late then it gives us a chance but even if we don't it's all about getting through.
“There have been so many semi-finals that are not the best spectacles at times and there is that anxiety sometimes about it.
“We just want to make sure we're good enough and confident enough in our own abilities to win the game.”
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