MX23RW : Sunday, December 15 02:26:39| >> :120:80737:80737:

Derek McInnes hopeful Europa League progress will aid transfer chances

Derek McInnes hopeful Europa League progress will aid transfer chances
© Reuters
Aberdeen have a player shortage at the back.

Derek McInnes is hopeful Aberdeen can secure Europa League progression so he can splash out on another defender.

The Dons boss is facing a defensive crisis ahead of Thursday's second-leg clash against Georgian outfit Chikhura at Pittodrie.

Centre-back Ash Taylor became the latest addition to the Reds' casualty list when he limped off early during the 1-1 draw in Tblisi with a hamstring injury.

The former Tranmere and Northampton stopper requires a scan to determine the extent of the damage but McInnes is concerned.

He hopes to have Greg Leigh back from an ankle knock in time for the return showdown but admits with the NAC Breda loanee still short on fitness, he may have to limit the left-back's involvement when his side kick-off their Ladbrokes Premiership campaign against Hearts on Sunday.

Michael Devlin is also still confined to the treatment room with hamstring trouble, leaving McInnes to admit he needs reinforcements.

Now he is praying his side can free up the money he needs to invest in his squad by seeing off Chikhura and securing a clash with old foes Rijeka of Croatia.

McInnes – who also admits he is braced for late interest in centre-back Scott McKenna ahead of next week's English transfer window – said: "It's not ideal. We had a lot of injuries last season, particularly to our back line.

"We know how important it is to get a steady back four but I've not been able to do that even through pre-season.

"With the budget I've got, you look at maybe ideally having seven defenders but I'm only working with six.

"We're put under a bit of strain as soon as you get two or three injuries in that area of the pitch.

"It's the same in central midfield, where we maybe have four guys who can play in there. We've got a bit more option with wider players and at centre forward but certainly defensively we could do with bringing one more in if we can get through this tie."

Aberdeen raised eyebrows when they dumped Rijeka out of the competition four years ago but McInnes is wary of looking ahead to the potential rematch while Chikhura remain a threat.

The Dons boss – whose side claimed a valuable away goal last week thanks to Sam Cosgrove's second-half penalty – said: "Rijeka is a game we want to be part of and to take them on but we have work to do first.

"Like any cup competition you can't look to far ahead of yourself but just like domestically in the cups here, our intention is to go all the way.

"In this instance in the Europa League, the group stages is where we want to be. That would be tangible success.

"But for me it's one step at a time. If you look to far ahead you can get a belt in the mouth and we can't afford to do that.

"We just have to concentrate on this game because our opponents are good enough to give us problems. Against teams with a technical ability it only takes one moment and you can be out."

ID:366600: cacheID:366600:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4324:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes pictured on December 2, 2018
Read Next:
Aberdeen boss McInnes hails "very good" response in Georgian draw
>
Read more about Derek McInnes Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Chiefs
@
Browns
6pm
Ravens
@
Giants
6pm
Jets
@
Jags
6pm
Cowboys
@
Panthers
6pm
Washington
@
Saints
6pm
Dolphins
@
Texans
6pm
Bengals
@
Titans
9.25pm
Colts
@
Broncos
9.25pm
Patriots
@
Cardinals
9.25pm
Buccaneers
@
Chargers
9.25pm
Steelers
@
Eagles
9.25pm
Bills
@
Lions
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Celtic1514104444043
2Aberdeen16104230181234
3RangersRangers1510232791832
4Motherwell168172226-425
5Dundee UnitedDundee Utd166642519624
6St Mirren176382228-621
7Dundee165472729-219
8Hibernian173682129-815
9Ross County173681333-2015
10St Johnstone1742112032-1214
11Kilmarnock163581734-1714
12Hearts163491825-713


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!