Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes says Easter Road trip 'feels like cup-final' as Pittodrie side dealt cruel injury blow

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has described Saturday’s trip to Easter Road as feeling “like a cup final” as the visitors look to get their season back on track following a rough period of form.

Ryan Hedges has been ruled out for the rest of the season. Picture: SNS

The Dons have only won once in their last seven games, allowing Hibs to climb above them into third place in the Scottish Premiership table. They have, however, defeated Hibs twice this season without conceding a goal.

They’re aiming to continue that dominance over the capital club and put right the wrongs of recent weeks.

McInnes said: "It feels like a cup final. You don't get any prizes for winning, but it would be a significant result and would help our quest to finish third and qualify for Europe.

"We have taken criticism for our run and we accept that, but if we win tomorrow we go third.

"The must-win tag comes along every now and again. It is a game we would love to win clearly. We would go third with a game in hand if we do win.

"It is a tough ask to go down there and beat them, but it is one we are capable of doing.

"Everything that has happened up until now is not really important. There are 12 games left and it is what we do in these 12 games that determine whether it has been a successful season or not."

The away side will be without influential attacker Ryan Hedges after it was revealed the Welsh international will miss the rest of the season with a pectoral injury.

The 25-year-old suffered the problem during the midweek defeat to Livingston and will undergo surgery next week.

McInnes added: "Ryan Hedges is going for an operation next Friday and he is out for the season.

"I am gutted for Ryan. He has had such a good campaign and taken on a lot of responsibility and carried that attacking threat.”

Aberdeen will also be without centre-back Ash Taylor, who has a thigh strain, while new signing and former Hibs striker Florian Kamberi is unavailable as he has yet to enter the country due to coronavirus restrictions.

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