Paul spoke to RedTV after his U20’s side’s 1-0 victory over St Johnstone and looked back on the season so far.

The Dons U20s signed off for their winter break with a 1-0 win over St Johnstone. The victory at the time of writing sees the young Dons finish the first half of the season at the top of the table and they are also in the Quarter Finals of the SFA Youth Cup. Paul Sheerin spoke to RedTV after the game:

“The three points was the most important thing, but obviously the performance when St Johnstone went down to ten men was more difficult for us for some reason. It affected us more than it affected them, and they dig in and still had something to fight for while it was at 0-0. Eleven V eleven I thought we were quite bright and I thought Frank should have scored, Connor should scored, and I think we looked quite good when we got in behind them a bit more. When they sat in as a back four we had to do more to shift them and we never did that well enough.

“They had one decent chance at David in goals but he was comfortable with his starting position and made a good save. Overall, they made it difficult, but they didn’t really threaten us too much in our box. It’s three 1-0 wins against St Johnstone this season with the Irn-Bru Cup and the two league games so it’s pleasing to get the clean sheet and overall pleasing with the win. Performance could have been better, but in recent weeks we’ve been good going forward so we will settle for the clean sheet and we’re always capable of scoring.

“It’s another three points and it’s been a great run we’re on so we’re pleased we’ve finished this half of the season with a win.

“There’s been progression in the bulk of the players in terms of their development at this early stage. I think as a team we’ve definitely developed. There was a lot of inconsistency at the start of the season which is to be expected with a new squad and there were a lot of young players but their development has been very pleasing.

“Dean Campbell has come in and captained the U20’s at such a young age and looks so accomplished week in week out. Overall the first half of the season we’re potentially at the top depending how other results go and still in the Youth Cup so at this stage I couldn’t ask for much more in all honesty.

“Sometimes the first team players come along and strengthen the squad with their experience and talent. We’ve been fortunate enough, with the greatest respect to them that it’s been our core squad at 20’s and that obviously gives them the opportunity to develop. Albeit when the first team ones come in it’s vital they pick up tips from them and play their game. I do feel that’s the main part of progression and we are seeing that both individually and as a group.

“Ten goals from Seb Ross and arguably it could have been eleven as he could have scored with his header which hit the post. He’s really matured this season and obviously the fact he’s playing more regularly helps as well. We’re really pleased with Seb and he’s been very good, and the goals have been spread out this season. There’s a few on five or six as well which is pleasing. Ryan Harrington has come in and done really well (at the back). The two centre halves, Harlain Mbayo and Sam Roscoe, I wouldn’t fancy facing them every week. It’s quite daunting looking at the two of them as a centre forward no doubt. There’s still room for improvement in those areas, but they’re doing well. They’re the older ones and you expect them to be a bit more consistent in their performances and the run we’ve been on that’s shown more and more with a back four and goalkeeper. It’s pleasing we’ve finished with the clean sheet for them as well.

Meanwhile in the last eight of the SFA Youth Cup Aberdeen have been drawn at home to either Stirling Albion or Ross County.

“You want a home draw in the cup. Whenever you get to this stage it’s always going to be a difficult one. Obviously, Stirling and Ross County are still to play so we will find out more when that tie is played out. We’ll make sure we get to see that, so we know exactly what we’re facing and hopefully that gives us a wee advantage as well. From the players point of view, it will be great if we could play the match at Pittodrie and I think they’ve earned that. The younger ones who haven’t been involved in a Youth Cup match at our stadium so it would be good if we could manage that. At this stage if it’s going to be Ross County then it’s going to be tough as they’re the Premiership team and I am saying that with the greatest respect to Stirling Albion as I’ve not really seen them. If it is Stirling, we will treat them with the utmost respect. It’s an opportunity at this stage of the competition with a home draw to get in the semi-final and who knows what can happen there.

“Over the winter break the players will go away with a fitness programme pack and hopefully looks after themselves as good professionals should do. Hopefully they come back on the 11th and hit the ground running.