Barry Robson relishing boost of returning trio for Aberdeen

Barry Robson is relishing the prospect of welcoming again three key gamers as Aberdeen bid to bounce again from their 2-1 defeat at Hearts and seal third place within the cinch Premiership.

The Dons noticed their five-point benefit over the fourth-placed Jambos chopped to only two with two video games remaining after objectives from residence forwards Josh Ginnelly and Lawrence Shankland overturned Mattie Pollock’s opener for the guests.

Aberdeen misplaced 5-0 on their final go to to Tynecastle beneath earlier boss Jim Goodwin in January and Robson took some solace from the actual fact this defeat – narrower in scoreline – was suffered with out captain Graeme Shinnie, talismanic ahead Luis ‘Duk’ Lopes and wing-back Ross McCrorie, all of whom are in line to return for Wednesday’s essential match at residence to St Mirren.

“In comparison with final time down right here, we’re a very completely different staff now,” mentioned Robson. “The optimistic for me is we’ve acquired Shinnie, Duk and McCrorie all to come back again.

“It’s not simple to come back down right here and play with out these gamers. The opposite boys that got here in did properly however they’re your expertise, your legs and your objectives. That’s what we’ve acquired to sit up for on Wednesday.”

Aberdeen have been 10 factors behind Hearts in February and regardless of dropping at Tynecastle on Saturday their bid to safe European group-stage soccer stays in their very own arms.

“It’s completely different inquiries to what you have been asking me three months in the past,” mentioned Robson, making an attempt to intensify the positives. “10 factors we have been behind. Now two factors forward with two video games to go and three high gamers to come back again.

“I’m alright, I’m wanting ahead to the sport on Wednesday.”

Hearts – who’ve a superior purpose distinction to Aberdeen – want to choose up two extra factors than the Dons over the course of the final two video games if they’re to complete third.

The Jambos go to Rangers on Wednesday earlier than internet hosting metropolis rivals Hibs on the final day, whereas the Dons journey to champions Celtic after taking part in Saints in midweek.

“I feel it’s an fascinating week now,” mentioned Hearts boss Steven Naismith, who took over from the sacked Robbie Neilson final month.

“This win has clawed us again to a lot nearer to Aberdeen than we have been earlier than the sport.

“We go into the subsequent week with two video games once more seeking to trigger extra issues than the groups we come up towards and provides ourselves an opportunity.

“That’s all we will do. From the place the staff was sitting (when Naismith took cost), the morale, every thing, it was actually powerful to show round.

“We’ve got completed a extremely good job of doing that, bringing in an attacking type of soccer which was pleasing for me.”

Hearts haven’t gained away to Rangers for nearly 9 years however Naismith is assured they’ll ship a powerful efficiency at Ibrox on Wednesday.

“We are able to go and compete for certain, I actually consider that,” he mentioned. “Right this moment offers me plenty of confidence by way of how we have been calm, managed in our possession.”