Jimmy Thelin urges Aberdeen to be focused against St Johnstone

Jimmy Thelin has told his Aberdeen players they must be “sharp and ready” to deal with the challenge posed by resurgent St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park on Saturday.

Simo Valakari’s Saints remain bottom of the Premiership but are buoyed by having won six of their last nine games in all competitions.

The fourth-placed Dons are also in good form, however, after winning four and drawing one of their last six ahead of the trip to Perth.

“We have played them before and it’s been tight games, so we’re expecting that tomorrow also, but, also, I think we’re doing things better and better as a team,” said Thelin. “We’re hopeful for the game tomorrow 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 have been on a bit better run now, so we have to be sharp tomorrow. They have some clear ideas and identity that the coach wants to implement in the team and I think they’re doing better and better.

“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, the way we want to defend, I think 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.

“But I think the team, the squad, is more connected and we look more stable. Hopefully in the rest of the season we can be more consistent and constant and more stable in our games and performance.”

Thelin was pleased to see on-loan Millwall striker Kevin Nisbet, who won his last cap in June 2023, called up by Scotland this week after five goals in his last six 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. We’re happy for Kevin, that’s good.”