McInnes calls for Dons to take a leaf out of Anderson’s book

Posted Sunday, August 12, 2018 by PA

Derek McInnes has told the rest of his Aberdeen side to take a leaf out of substitute Bruce Anderson’s book.

The Dons teenager almost made himself a hero for the second week running after coming close against Dundee at Dens Park.

He could not follow up his last-gasp equaliser against Rangers last Sunday but came close after climbing off the bench during the 1-0 win over the Dark Blues to smash against the crossbar.

But the 19-year-old still impressed his manager with his intent and McInnes – who had to rely on a 75th-minute penalty from Gary Mackay-Steven to see off Neil McCann’s team – admits he wishes more of his side showed the same.

“I thought wee Bruce gave us a spark up front,” said the Reds boss, who confirmed he is hoping to step up moves for a new striker this week. “We introduced him at the right time.

“We definitely thought about starting him today. He is infectious and was just sitting there desperate to get on.

“He gave the defenders something different to think about when he came on. He chased everything, he was like a wasp. Sometimes it’s difficult for defenders to react to that added energy so Bruce for that reason became more effective as a sub today.

“What he is is a goalscorer. There’s no other thought than getting the ball out his feet and shooting when he hits the ball.

“I could do with more in the team expecting to score like him – and that goes throughout, whether it be centre-halves going up at corners or midfielders.

“I need more with that intent that I’m going to score today rather hoping to score.”

While McInnes was frustrated with his side’s lack of cutting edge, McCann was equally let down by shot-shy frontmen Sofien Moussa and Jean Mendy.

For the second week running, Dundee had chances to go in front but like their opening-day loss at St Mirren, defeat was self-inflicted as Genseric Kusunga’s handball in the box handed Mackay-Steven his chance to tuck home from the spot.

“We had three chances which I would call one hundred percent chances to get a goal,” said McCann. “But we didn’t make the keeper work once, so that’s where you fall down.

“The guys in that position need to slow down. All our forwards need to show more composure.

“It’s the one thing you can’t work on, you can’t replicate having that chance in a game. The very best players go cold in those situations and don’t rush things.”