McInnes on Scotland achievement, Hearts duo & tough Pittodrie test
- Published
Derek McInnes has been speaking to the media before Hearts face Aberdeen at Pittodrie in the Premiership on Sunday.
Here are the key points:
On Scotland's World Cup qualification at Denmark's expense: "It was such a magnificent game that will live long in the memory. How it played out in the end was just something out of a film. It was so exciting, so dramatic."
McInnes lauded the contribution of his players Craig Gordon and Lawrence Shankland.
On Gordon: "Delighted with his contribution, I thought in Greece he was outstanding. Against Denmark he had a really good save. A great moment for him."
On Shankland, who put Scotland 2-1 up in the 4-2 win, he says: "You're just praying he gets on the pitch. When he scored the goal you think that's the goal that gets us to the World Cup but then we had it all to do again."
The former Scotland midfielder believes the positive impact of the national side's achievement can filter throughout the domestic game in Scotland: "There's always a trickle effect whenever you qualify for tournaments, that ripple effect, that feelgood factor. [I'm] looking forward to seeing Scotland compete at a World Cup."
McInnes also hopes other players in his squad might be inspired to push on and stake a claim for Scotland or their own countries that have, or may qualify.
He also spoke of the pride he had in seeing players he previously managed - the likes of Lewis Ferguson, Ryan Christie and Scott McKenna - play their part in Scotland's success.
On the challenge his table-topping side face at Pittodrie, where Hearts haven't won in nine years: "The game is going to really test our ability to get a result because Aberdeen over the years is always a tough game to go to. They've picked up a bit in recent weeks, they're littered with good players. I feel as though we can go anywhere and have the belief that we can get a result but we have to play well."
Calem Nieuwenhof, Beni Baningime and Finlay Pollock are all out through injury with Craig Halkett suspended. Frankie Kent comes back into contention.
