STEVIE SMITH insists Aberdeen have missed their chance to make it through to the Scottish Cup semis.
Former Gers and Dons fullback Smith reckons the Reds didn’t capitalise on a poor Rangers performance at Pittodrie on Sunday when Joe Worrall cancelled out a Sam Cosgrove penalty.
Now with Cosgrove suspended for next Tuesday’s replay after landing a second yellow, Smith feels Rangers will complete the job to reach the last four.
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He said: “That was Aberdeen’s chance – and I think Derek McInnes knows it.
“They were ahead and had other chances but failed to take them.
“Of Course, they are not out of it because they have shown already this season that they can win at Ibrox.
“But I just think they will feel so disappointed that they didn’t finish Rangers off when they had the chance and they could pay for that.
“It was a poor performance from Rangers, but they’re still in the Cup. After the way they played in the first half they must be delighted.
“They got a wee reaction at the start of the second half but overall it wasn’t great.
“It was a bit similar in the last round when Rangers struggled a bit at Kilmarnock then steam-rollered them when they brought them back to Ibrox.
“So they will be looking for the same reaction next week – and I think they’ll get it.”
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Smith, who had two spells at Ibrox and a short period at Pittodrie, added: “I think Aberdeen made it the game they wanted it to be – playing aggressively and winning second balls.
“Cosgrove summed up their performance and style of play because he was strong and put himself about.
“He was the focal point of their play so he will be a big miss in the replay as a result of his suspension.”
Sunday’s fixture was punctuated by vandalism and a sickening banner and Smith suffered too when he faced Rangers for Aberdeen in April 2011 when a Nikica Jelavic overhead kick settled the game.
He said: “I was warned by Archie Knox to blank all the Rangers players I knew so that I wouldn’t upset the Aberdeen fans.
“The Dons fans had been fine with me up to that point but I got a few shouts that day, especially as we lost.
“What could I do? I had been at Rangers most of my career. But that’s the rivalry that exists.”
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