Aberdeen boss was pleased with the positive signs of recovery that he saw from his team as they brushed off the challenge of Dunfermline Athletic to progress into the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup.

“It was an important game for us to win when we have this challenging time. In the first half we saw some more directness in the game, how we arrived to the box, how we attacked them, the things we have worked on for weeks now. It was good to see that we saw some clear signs of how we want to look in the future and going back to this attacking approach.

“The first goal is important. Pape is always dangerous when he arrives to the box, he’s always a threat with his power and size and awareness into the box, so he’s another weapon for us to use.

“Alexander can cover a lot of ground during a game. It’s incredible how much he runs and fights for the team and we work a lot to add him into the box, both full-backs. Today he was there and got an important goal for us, so I’m so happy for him and for the team, how he used his energy in the right areas of the pitch.

“Kevin has worked really hard the last weeks on the training pitch and he has looked more and more sharp every week. I can see when he scored the goal that he was really happy and relieved, so it’s good for him and good for us.

“In some parts of the game we still have some improvements to make, but it’s good to see more directness and the speed of the game in some parts, especially in the first half. That’s one thing we’ve been missing the last month maybe, so it’s good to see that coming back today.

“I think with the new signings, we have more competition inside the squad and I think that can bring up the intensity for everyone. Everybody knows that they need to give everything. It’s good to have some competition to be really sharp and take the opportunity when you get the time to play.

“You see this through the squad. Fletcher has grown in the last month a lot, how he competes on the training pitch. He has really good qualities when he has time on the ball, but also how he competes now in the duels and competes with the team to try to win things. It’s a big difference how he matures and brings something to the training sessions, so he deserves to get the minutes on the pitch today.

“Mats did some really good things today with how he started the attacks, but because he hasn’t played so much, we have to take it carefully. But what he can bring to the team is good for us, especially his quality in the build-up and how we attack.

“The biggest thing is the fans are here to support us today again. They have been amazing during this difficult time. For me and the team and everybody around, it’s so important that we get that support, and we are pleased to give them a win.”