Derek McInnes: Euro call-off suggestion met with ‘garbage’

McInnes was disappointed by “some of the garbage that came on the back of it” but stressed that his former club was not approached because “it wasn’t Aberdeen’s issue”.

“If any club asked me for it, I would be all in favour of it,” he said.

McInnes reckons clubs from other nations have seen the benefit of postponements before European ties since “it is an advantage”.

And he thinks previous opposition to the idea in Scotland often stemmed from the rivalry between Celtic and Rangers.

“That should not be a reason for not doing the right thing now,” he said.

McInnes made just two changes for the visit to Pittodrie – both forced by injury or suspension.

“I feel as if the players are finding their feet and getting the strength in their legs,” he explained.

“There’s no doubt about it, it is something you wrestle with as a manager, but I’ve tried to be as strong as we possibly could and having watched the players in the last couple of days, we’re good to go with it.

“Since Aberdeen last played, we have played two games and travelled. It’s not ideal, but it’s the cards your dealt with when you want to be playing in Europe.”