Dons in search of quick-fire double
Aberdeen travel to Brockville for today's only all-Premier Division Scottish Coca-Cola Cup third round tie hoping to land their second victory over Falkirk within five days.
The Dons have named the same squad as that which achieved a 3-2 win against the Bairns on the opening day of the Premier Division season but are unable to include the Scotland striker, Duncan Shearer, still recovering from a calf injury.
The Pittodrie manager, Roy Aitken, is convinced Saturday's success has sparked a season of immense promise for Aberdeen, who only guaranteed a place in the top flight for this campaign by winning a relegation play- off against the First Division runners-up, Dunfermline, in May.
Aitken said: "There is a buzz about the place and the bonus for us is having some of our experienced players back."
The former Falkirk manager, Jim Jefferies, has John Robertson back from suspension in the Hearts attack for their tie against Dunfermline at Tynecastle. But the main problem for Jefferies is who to leave out after his front- line performed so well in the 1-1 draw with Motherwell on Saturday.
The Hearts defender, Fraser Wishart, is doubtful with a calf injury after lasting only 51 minutes on Saturday but Gary Mackay is back in training following a back injury and is likely to play. The defenders, Allan McManus and Willie Jamieson, are added to the squad.
Partick, who hit seven past Berwick in the last round, travel to Third Division Livingston who have already beaten First Division opponents this term in Morton and St Johnstone. Thistle have doubts over their strikers, Rod McDonald, who has a hand injury, and Wayne Foster, who has a back problem.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies