Aberdeen

Dons fans, we asked for your views on Saturday's goalless draw against St Johnstone.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Scott: We didn't play poorly, that's the main thing to take from this game. Did we do enough to win it? Probably not. St Johnstone are one of those teams who seem to love zapping the energy out of games. They always try to break play up, slow it down, disrupt the opposition tempo. They did that yesterday, but we also allowed them to.

David: Disappointing game of uninspired hoof ball.

James: One save the Perth keeper had to make the whole game. The Dons were very poor and will have to step up big time if we want to get into Europe. We are also in danger of being dumped into bottom six. With the games we have left it could become a reality?

Lindsey: Well, that was some spectacle, I can't recall a more tedious watch. The deliveries into the box were non-existent and until Leighton Clarkson came on the hoof up the park failed to reach anyone. Hopefully Jeppe Okkels is only appearing for "game time" so we can rid of him once the season ends.

Stuart: Inconsistency is creeping in again. We can easily put on a show against lesser teams, for example Queen's Park yet when we get back to league business they are so unpredictable. Unfortunately top six not secure yet.

Chris: Lots of possession but nothing to show for it and to be honest an easy game for their keeper. Up front the bench the options are limited, that may change with Ester Sokler fit. Midfield is better with Graeme Shinnie and Clarkson. We look uncomfortable at the back and that could have punished us. I think the secret is well out about how to play us and it shows.

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• St. Johnstone are undefeated in their last three games in the Premiership, their last longer unbeaten streak was from 27 December 2023 to 3 February 2024, a run of four games.

• Aberdeen have failed to win in their last three games in the Premiership, their last longer winless streak was from 23 November 2024 to 1 February 2025, a run of 14 games.

• St. Johnstone have failed to score a first-half goal in 22 of their 30 games, no team has failed to do so more often in the Premiership this season.

• Aberdeen have committed 12 fouls in this match, higher than their season average of 11.1 in the Premiership.

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St Johnstone and Aberdeen held out a goalless draw at McDiarmid Park on Saturday.

You can catch all the highlights from the Premiership clash over on BBC iPlayer or via this link.

Dons fans, did you make the trip to Perth or were you following the action from home? What did you make of your side's performance? Are you happy with a point?

Have your say on the game, external.

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Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin: "I think the result reflects the game.

"I thought both teams defended well and we missed a little bit of extra quality. I think the result is fair but we need to do more to deserve to win, create more chances to get a winning goal. Today was not enough.

"The opponent did their job well, defended well and so did we but it was not enough. We had a really big away support who pushed us but we have to do more.

"We have to take this point. We have a clean sheet, defensively we did well but we need to do more to get the three points. Hopefully it's going to be a good point when we sum up everything."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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This point in Perth doesn't feel like a good one for Aberdeen.

Of course there is the positive way of looking at it – it is better than nothing and it means they have now lost just one of their last seven games in all competitions.

But given the tightness of the race for European places - and even for a spot in the top six - there is little margin for error and points can ill afford to be spilled.

A win would have left Jimmy Thelin's side in a really strong position, but the draw leaves them knowing they very much have a lot of work still to do.

That's not to say they can't do it, and there have been signs of late that Aberdeen have turned a corner. However it is wins, not draws, that will take them to where they want to be come the end of the campaign.

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St Johnstone have Victor Griffith pushing for fitness while Uche Ikpeazu, Bozo Mikulic (both knee) and Sam McClelland (Achilles) are out long term.

Aberdeen forward Ester Sokler is back in contention but Kristers Tobers is still out along with Vicente Besuijen (knee), Jamie McGrath and Gavin Molloy (both shoulder).

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Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin has praised Kevin Nisbet's "character and mentality" after the striker's improved form was rewarded with a recall to the Scotland squad.

On-loan Millwall forward Nisbet, who won the last of his 11 caps in June 2023, has been summoned by Steve Clarke for the Nations League play-off double-header with Greece after five goals in his past six Dons matches.

"I think it shows that we are a good environment to work in as a player, the players are making progress in their careers," said Thelin.

"But for me it's always about the character and mentality of the player. We can support them, we can try to guide them, but they have to put the effort in and do the work and push themselves.

"I'm glad when they get their reward for the hard work they're putting in. We're happy for Kevin, that's good."

Thelin has warned the Dons must be "sharp and ready" for their trip to McDiarmid Park on Saturday to face rejuvenated bottom club St Johnstone.

Simo Valakari's Saints have won six of their past nine matches in all competitions and Thelin said: "We've played them before and it's been tight games, so we're expecting that, but we're doing things better and better as a team.

"We're hopeful for the game and believe in our journey, but Simo Valakari is a good coach and has done a good job there, and there's been change in some parts.

"They play at home, so we have to be sharp and ready for what they want to do, but also believe in our own capacity.

"The way we want to attack and defend is looking better and better because we have had some changes during the season with players in and out, some injuries and the two windows. The squad is more connected and we look more stable."

How Aberdeen's 'The Changing Room' project is helping supporters to combat male mental health challenges.

This segment is taken from the Friday, 14 March episode of A View From the Terrace. Watch on BBC Scotland at 22:30 GMT or iPlayer.

Robbie Boyle
BBC Scotland

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Jimmy Thelin has been speaking to the media before Aberdeen face St Johnstone in the Premiership this weekend.

Here are the key points from the Dons boss:

• On his 47th birthday Thelin says three points at McDiarmid Park would be "the best present you can get" but is expecting a "tight game".

• The Swede says his side have been doing things "better and better" in recent weeks but notes St Johnstone have also improved and have clear ideas.

• The game will come "too early" for Kristers Tobers and he'll be assessed after the international break but Ester Sokler will be back in the squad on Saturday.

• On Kevin Nisbet's recall to the Scotland squad, Thelin says it shows the club is a good environment for players.

• "Let's see" was Thelin's response when asked if Graeme Shinnie will continue to fill in at left-back. He added it is a "good dynamic" to have players who can be deployed in different positions.

• With a battle for third place ongoing and the upcoming Scottish Cup semi-final on the horizon Thelin insists all the focus is on Saturday's game.

• He described the cup semi-final draw against Hearts as a "good challenge".

International manager Ehab Abu Jazar is happy with the form shown by "icon" Oday Dabbagh at Aberdeen, saying the striker is helping to raise the profile of Palestine. (Daily Record), external

Read the rest of Friday's Scottish gossip.

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• St Johnstone have only won once in their last nine league meetings with Aberdeen (D3 L5), a 2-0 away win in February 2024.

• St Johnstone have won two of their last three home league games (L1), as many as their previous 20 beforehand (W2 D5 L13), while the Saints are looking to earn successive home wins in the Premiership for the first time since December 2023.

• Aberdeen have suffered just one defeat in their last 15 league visits to McDiarmid Park (W9 D5), a 0-1 loss in May 2022 under Jim Goodwin.

• Aberdeen have lost six of their last seven away league outings (W1), failing to score in five of those matches.

• Kevin Nisbet has been directly involved in five goals in his last four league matches for Aberdeen (three goals, two assists). However, Nisbet has just one goal in seven previous Premiership appearances against St Johnstone, only netting fewer against Hibernian among all sides he has faced in the division (no goals in three games).

Liam McLeod
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

Aberdeen sealed a return to Hampden with Saturday's comfortable Scottish Cup victory over Queen's Park ensuring Jimmy Thelin has a chance to exorcise the ghosts of their last visit to the national stadium.

Hearts will be their opponents in what promises to be a fascinating tie.

Incredibly, it will be just the third occasion Hampden has hosted the fixture despite it having featured 32 times in the two domestic cup competitions in Scotland.

More on that nearer the time.

The Dons will now refocus on their efforts to clamber back above Hibernian, who have now taken third spot in the Premiership.

Aberdeen seemed certainties to finish there a few months ago and despite looking better over the last batch of games, Hibs' league form ate into their advantage and they eventually usurped Thelin's side.

A trip south to face St Johnstone is up next and back to where this Premiership season all began for the manager.

It will also be a very different starting XI the Swede picks for the game from the one that opened the league season.

Dimitar Mitov, Graeme Shinnie, Shayden Morris and Sivert Nilsen, if he recovers from injury, are all likely starters but the rest of the side will feature many who weren't at the club on that warm August evening in the Fair City. Even the much-missed Bojan Miovski began that one.

Every game Aberdeen play between now and the end of the season will be crucial though their ambitions have improved with the recent exploits of Kevin Nisbet, who has sealed a return to the Scotland squad.

There may not be much wriggle room once the league breaks in two, with possible post-split away matches to come at Ibrox, Tynecastle and Tannadice depending on whether Hearts and Dundee United can seal top-half finishes.

The fact there is a possible cup final to come at the end of all that will surely prove more than enough incentive for the Dons players to finish the season strongly with the home straight almost in sight.

We asked whether Aberdeen should try to secure loan striker Kevin Nisbet - who has earned a Scotland recall - on a permanent deal this summer.

Here's what some of you said:

Kieran: I think this will fill Nisbet with even more confidence for the rest of the season, he is fitting in quite well now so if we can afford him then get him signed.

Malky: He's been very much off the pace for a large part of the season, but the fact that he's worked hard away from the pitch and is now scoring as well, looking fitter and sharper too, is a testament to him. Earned his call-up and the right to be our starting striker. Would I give him a permanent deal? Depends on how he carries on this season.

Neil: Nisbet has really come on to a game now. A well deserved international call-up, all credit to him. Personally if Nisbet wants to stay and transfer fee, wages etc fit Jimmy Thelin's squad profile, then I would be happy for him to sign.

Simon: Getting Nisbet on a permanent deal would benefit both parties. Anyone who is involved in the Scotland set-up should always be worth looking at if we can agree a package.

Scott: Nisbet has hit a purple patch right enough. However, why has it taken most of the season to get to this point? If he can keep it up for the rest of the season and if the deal works for both sides, then yes he could be an asset to Aberdeen. I don't know if he is exactly the type of striker Thelin would ideally want though - fast enough?

Fred: I would worry about Nisbet's application and consistency. He is great when things are going well but a lot of the season he has looked unfit and uninterested. I would try to identify a good Japanese striker as Celtic have had great success in that market.

Craig: Proven record in this league and he seems to be fitting in with Thelin's style of play. Also important to have a nucleus of Scottish players in the team as it helps with the relationship with fans.

Captain Graeme Shinnie impressed at left-back in the Scottish Cup quarter-final but he still has much to offer in midfield, says Aberdeen legend Willie Miller. (Press & Journal)

Read the rest of Wednesday's gossip.

Glen Schreuder
Fan writer

Aberdeen once again showed us how to see off the Spiders at Pittodrie in a cup competition.

At least this time we didn't need to wait for a 90th-minute winner.

A professional and polished first 45 minutes from the Dons ended the tie as a contest.

A stunning opener from Kevin Nisbet - who is now back in the Scotland squad - showed just how much confidence the striker has on the back of his recent scoring exploits.

A question we wondered in January was where the goals were going to come from? In Nisbet, and January acquisition Oday Dabbagh, we look to have found the answers. Strikers with that instinct to finish the chances created.

Shayden Morris is the man creating those chances, though. With 11 assists, he's a player revitalised under Jimmy Thelin, and certainly put in a performance meriting a start against St Johnstone this weekend.

Similarly strong showings from Graeme Shinnie at left-back and Leighton Clarkson - who alongside Ante Palaversa controlled the game - will leave Thelin with a positive selection headache.

We're 90 minutes away from another Scottish Cup final, and Hearts await.

However, attention returns to the fight for third for now. If you told us Thelin would have us in two semi-finals and tussling for third in his first season, many would have bitten your hand off.

Maybe it makes that barren run more frustrating, but it has certainly been another rollercoaster season for Aberdeen.

The ride isn't over, either. There's a few more twists and turns to endure first!

Glen Schreuder can be found at Red Tinted Glasses, external

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Aberdeen striker Kevin Nisbet has earned a recall to the Scotland squad for this month's Nations League play-off double-header against Greece.

The striker was most recently in the squad in October but won the last of his 11 caps in June 2023.

Nisbet, who is on loan at the Dons from Millwall, has netted five goals in his past six games, taking his season's tally to 10 in 28 for Jimmy Thelin's side.

Should Thelin be looking to secure Nisbet on a permanent deal this summer? Or would the money be better spent elsewhere?

Let us know your thoughts., external

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin has not ruled out making a permanent move for on-loan Millwall forward Kevin Nisbet, 28. (Press and Journal - subscription), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

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Hearts and Aberdeen will meet in the Scottish Cup semi-finals next month.

The tie will be played at Hampden on the weekend of 19-20 April.

Holders Celtic face St Johnstone in the other semi-final.

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Former Scotland midfielder Kevin Thomson has "no doubt" Jimmy Thelin will be a success at Aberdeen.

The Dons overcame Championship outfit Queen's Park on Saturday to book a place in the Scottish Cup semi-final and are well-placed to secure a top six finish this term thanks to an incredible run at the start of the campaign.

They've had to endure some tough results of late but got back to winning ways at Pittodrie at the weekend.

"It's almost incredible to think how well they started the season to how far they fell," Thomson told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"I've got no doubt that Jimmy Thelin is a good manager. He's got a certain style.

"I've got no doubt that he'll be a success at Pittodrie but they're also a huge club which comes with big expectations. So when you do go through these sticky patches, I think it's a demand for the faithful up there that they do get to the latter stages of competitions.

"They are fighting to try and win that third or fourth place and you could argue they might just get there this year."