'We’ll see a strong performance': Jimmy Thelin confident Aberdeen will bounce back

Jimmy Thelin expects to see a “strong” performance from Aberdeen against Celtic on Wednesday night by way of redemption for their Rangers defeat.

The Dons had the chance to go level on points with third-placed Hibernian when they travelled to Ibrox on Sunday.

However, a second-half collapse saw the Light Blues run out easy 4-0 winners, with the Pittodrie manager complaining that his side had fragmented after going one down shortly after the break.

Thelin’s side host the William Hill Premiership champions – and their Scottish Gas Scottish Cup final opponents – in their last home league game of the season before they travel to Dundee United on Saturday.

The Aberdeen manager said: “We know we’re strong at home. Our supporters will be there, and we want to create something strong together to get the points. I think we’ll see a strong performance tomorrow.

“It’s been a short few days since the Rangers game, but there’s been good energy and focus on the right things.

“We leave the disappointment behind and we try to move on and grow as a team.

“The way we see it, we always try to be better, not just in the future but now. And now we’re playing against the champions at home.

“We believe in what we can do, and it’s one of the best tests you can have.

“The hunger and desire inside the squad is really high. We always try to get better performances and evolve as players and as a team.”

Thelin insists belief is key in their bid to overcome Brendan Rodgers’ treble-chasing Celtic and eventually leapfrog Hibs, who are away to in-form St Mirren and then home to Rangers.

He said: “You should never give up. You always have to believe and you have to bring energy into this part of the season.

“If we want to finish third, there’s no discussion, we know what we have to do.

“It’s difficult, yes, but you have to believe you can do it. Otherwise, there’s no point in playing.

“We’re focused on taking this chance now, first playing at home, then away to Dundee United.

“But first, it’s all about tomorrow. Give everything, show up and put in a good performance.

“They’re a good team, they are champions, and Brendan is a really good manager.

“But a football game is always a football game. In our best days, when we have the performance, we do our best and really believe when we go onto the pitch tomorrow, we will show our fans what we want to do, then we always have a good chance to win the game.”