Aberdeen manger Derek McInnes spoke to RedTV after the Dons 1-0 win over Cobh Ramblers this afternoon at the Fota Island resort. To watch the interview in full please click here

“In previous seasons there has maybe been a bit more importance on the pre-season games because of the shortage of time to get that familiarity. Obviously the close season break has been a bit longer which has meant there has been a bit more work put into the players this week. Therefore although we were always looking for a good performance and winning performance, I don’t think today that was the most important thing.

“The players will feel better for having had that game.

“It was good to get a clean sheet, it was good to get a win and another step towards the fitness. The most important thing was to come through the game without any more injuries.

“Stevie May and Sam Cosgrove picked up little knocks because of the work we have put into them. The pitches are baking hard because of the heat. We did not want to be going back to Aberdeen tomorrow with any more injuries. I am grateful for that.

“I thought the game ticked the majority of the boxes.

PIC DEREK IRONSIDE / NEWSLINE SCOTLAND

“It was good to win the game and I was pleased with the youngsters. There was good energy from them, good confidence. Also I never thought we really looked like losing a goal today. So that was pleasing. Defensively we were strong. I am just looking for us to carry more of a goal threat in the final third and a bit more quality.

“We have hit the post, had a penalty claim and had lots of things bouncing about the box. We needed someone to stand up and get that goal for us.

“I think Forrester can be the difference for us in games this same. Every team needs those types of players, especially in tight games.

“It was a lovely finish. It is the type of areas I want him to be playing in. For us to get him in there we have to be doing a lot of work behind that.

“It is good for any player to score a goal in their first game.

“Mikey Devlin has not played any football for a long time. So it is a balance between pushing Michael, because he has done all the work and he is ready to go and play. Today was a very important step for him. As with any player who has a long-term injury, there will be a touch of apprehension, but he can be really pleased with his performance. He strolled through the game. He is a good talker. Along with McKenna I thought the two of them did very well.

“It has been a good week for the players. Very demanding, and we will continue those demands over the next couple of days and weeks when we get back to Aberdeen. Hopefully by the time the West Brom game comes around we have got the players a lot sharper and they will be ready for the season and the challenges ahead.”