The Dons number one previewed the trip to Easter Road with the RedMatchday Editor this week:

“It is a ground I really enjoy going to. I was not involved in the defeat during the second half of last season, so I have not got that memory, which probably helps!

“My memory of being there was Gaz scoring that great goal and winning 1-0 the first time the sides met last season. It is a good stadium, it is a good pitch, there will be a good crowd with a big Aberdeen support. These are the games that you look forward to and want to play in. They are really enjoyable if you can get a positive result.

“We will go there full of confidence from the St Mirren game having played so well.

“The young lads have really made their mark in recent weeks and have all come on over the past couple of years whilst I have been here. It is testament to the work Paul Sheerin is doing with them. He deserves a lot of credit. A lot of them are training regularly with us now.

“Bruce Anderson has been scoring plenty of goals for the development side and has grasped his chance and is pushing the gaffer for a starting spot. He is giving the manager a hard decision each week and that is exactly what he wants the young lads to do.

“Scott Wright has had to be patient but has done well anytime he has come into the team and was outstanding playing in a central role last week. Frank Ross has been brilliant in training recently. Almost unplayable at times. An he did well when he came into the side at the last minute on Saturday.

“Dean Campbell played the last half hour at Celtic Park in the final game of last season. You could see in those 30 minutes the composure and ability he has got.

“Connor McLennan is knocking on the door as well. And then you have the likes of Seb Ross who has gone out on loan to increase his development.

“The young lads are pushing hard and it really helps the squad.

“People go on about signings but when you have young boys coming through like Bruce, Scott, Deano and Frank; good young lads coming through our system, it is just like a new signing when you have players of that quality. It really helps the depth of the squad.

“Scott McKenna has set the benchmark.

“When I first arrived here I think Scott had been out on loan at Ayr and was not really getting a game. I don’t know the reasons why he was not playing. We all knew the ability he had. He has gone from not playing at Ayr to where he is now, a regular in the Aberdeen team and Scotland set up.

“What Scott has done has to act as an inspiration to the other young players. It must inspire them to work hard because Scott is a great role model. His mentality, his work ethic; they can see that if they do the same then they can do well.

“The young lads coming through have so much ability but it is about doing it week in week out and having the head to go with it. All the players I have mentioned, they all have stacks of ability.

“I have played down in England and played at various levels, I have played for some big clubs with players who do not have half that ability but they have the mentality. If you can get the two components together then you have got some very very good players on your hands. And I believe all our young boys have that.

Aberdeen’s Bruce Anderson with Joe Lewis

“You also have Lewis Ferguson and Michael Devlin; they are both young players of the highest quality. It is very encouraging.

“As a keeper Michael, for me, is the dream centre half to have in front of you, especially in terms of the communication.

“I am in a position where I am behind him, I can see a lot of things on the field that are happening and developing, things that the central defenders might not see. That is where I think I can help them, by my communication. Mikey will do exactly what I ask him to. He is a very bright lad and a very quick learner. Sometimes you can shout at some people and they don’t like to be shouted at or they don’t take it well. Mikey just accepts it, learns from it for the next time. He has such a great attitude for a young centre defender.

“He is still young for a centre half as well. And is still willing to learn and wants to get better every day. To have him and Scotty and the club at the same time, we are very fortunate.

“I feel fortunate to play behind players like that, young centre half’s that are willing to listen and learn. They are honest and they are great pros already at such a young age. They make my life easier and more enjoyable, to have people like that in the team and in the dressing room.

“It is also important to have experienced players round about them.

“I must also mention Andrew Considine. He has stepped into the centre of defence seamlessly.

“Andy was named Player of the Year two years ago – winning both the Players Player award and the supporter one. It was my first season here and he thoroughly deserved the recognition, but even with those awards you still feel that he is underrated by some people.

“He is certainly appreciated by me.

“In training and games you don’t get round him. He is incredibly strong. I know what he gives to our team. He has the respect of everyone in that dressing room. Maybe because he has been here for so long he gets taken for granted, but he should not. He is a tremendous player and has been a great servant to the club.

“That mix of youth and experience should stand us in good stead during the long season ahead.”

Joe Lewis

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