Jimmy Thelin says focus on European football after Aberdeen secure top-six place

Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin has his sights set on now securing a place in Europe next season after clinching a top-six place with their 4-1 win over Motherwell.

The Dons were streets ahead of the Steelmen despite falling behind to Callum Slattery’s fifth-minute header.

On-loan Spurs defender Alfie Dorrington levelled matters, and Leighton Clarkson whipped in a superb strike to put the Dons in front, before in-form Kevin Nisbet fired home a late double to seal the three points.

And Thelin said: “From the beginning we’ve had a clear picture for the long term, but we want to arrive in Europe this season, and we will try until the last game both in the cup and in the league.

“Nothing has changed in terms of what we’re pushing for but we have to deserve it. We will now focus on the next game away to Ross County.”

Thelin was also quizzed on the long-term future of Scotland striker Nisbet, who is on loan from Millwall.

“He’s not our player. We like Kevin but we focus on the moment right now,” Thelin said.

“His goals are important, but you see how he takes responsibility, he’s helping the defence and pressing from behind to create transitions for us. He still arrives with scoring chances, and I think the best part of being a manager is when you work closely and see them grow”

Motherwell manager Michael Wimmer is also keen to secure a top six-spot, but admits his side are in a race to secure a spot in the top half of the table.

The Steelmen slipped to eighth following their defeat to Aberdeen but are only one point behind Hearts in sixth.

He said “We lost against a good team, but the table is so tight so anything is possible.

“It’s good that we are in the race for a top-six place, but it’s important that we perform for 90 minutes. We have to concentrate on the next game against Kilmarnock and hopefully we’re still in it when we play Hearts at home.

“The table is so tight that I think it will come down to game 33.”