Aberdeen: Derek McInnes questions late fixture change

Aberdeen won on their last league visit to Dens Park but lost there in the Scottish Cup this season

Manager Derek McInnes is baffled by the scheduling that led to a late change to Aberdeen's away trip to Dundee.

The Dons were due to play at Dens Park next Monday but the game was brought forward to Saturday lunchtime after three players were called up for international duty.

"Why have a game on the Monday of an international week," asked McInnes.

"And if the alternative date was there so readily, why weren't we given that option?"

Scotland play a friendly with Northern Ireland at Hampden next Wednesday, with Mark Reynolds in the home squad and Niall McGinn a regular for the visitors.

Striker Lawrence Shankland is included in the Scotland U21 pool travelling to Hungary.

"As players and staff we can adjust but I think it's unnecessary to have it changed so late in terms of the supporters," added McInnes.

"We shouldn't take our supporters for granted and myself and the players certainly don't do that, but the change being so late should have been avoided and I don't think it had to take three players from my club getting called up.

"My message to supporters is looking forward to the game, it's not dwelling on a fixture change. It's been unfortunate but we have to deal with it."

An Aberdeen victory would see them move level on points with league leaders Celtic, who host Dundee United later on Saturday.

But McInnes, who has fitness doubts over Jonny Hayes, Peter Pawlett and Willo Flood, said: "I don't think Celtic will be glued to their TV looking for our result but whether it's Saturday or Monday we have a real opportunity to get three points.

"The perception of going joint top of the league is maybe an extra motivation for some but from our players' point of view, with 10 games to go we have to take every opportunity to win a game."