Nicky Devlin believes Aberdeen’s recent experience against Celtic has taught them valuable lessons that could benefit them when they face Rangers at Pittodrie on Wednesday night.
The Dons have been in impressive form this season, winning 14 of their 15 matches. Their only dropped points came in a 2-2 draw at Celtic Park, where Aberdeen staged a spirited comeback.
With Rangers now six points behind them in the league, Aberdeen will be hoping to widen the gap with another strong performance.
Devlin, who recently earned his first Scotland call-up, reflected on the importance of the Celtic match in boosting the team’s belief.
“I think it (the Celtic fightback) just gave us almost the belief, especially this kind of second half. I didn’t think we played too badly in the first half but in big moments and stuff we maybe weren’t great, and then in the second half we obviously managed to score two goals.
“I’m sure Celtic would have said they could have scored a few as well, but we missed a couple of chances as well, so yeah, it just gave us probably more belief that we’re a good side.
“If we needed reminding, then that was the kind of reminder, but also probably a bit of a reminder that we have to be at our best. We weren’t at our best in the first half against Celtic, and we were punished, so we know we have to be at our best to win games.”
A Crucial Clash at Pittodrie:
Aberdeen’s players are fully aware of the importance of Wednesday’s clash with Rangers.
A win would not only strengthen their position in the league but also maintain their positive momentum.
Devlin emphasised the significance of the match, saying: “Yeah, it’s a massive game for the club, for everyone involved, but it’s one we’re trying to go in and try and win.
“We’ve been doing well, we’re in a good place just now as a team. As a group of players, we’re all kind of going in the right direction and yeah. It’s a game we’re all looking to win.
“I think probably what the manager’s been stressing to us is, it’s an opportunity to go and win another game, and that’s what we’ll obviously try and do.
“Where that puts you in the league table and stuff like that, that takes care of itself, but we know we’ve obviously got a tough game on our hands tomorrow night, as Rangers have shown this year already.
“We know how difficult it will be tomorrow, and we have to be at our best, and that’s probably all we can concentrate on—making sure the best Aberdeen turns up.”
No Room for Complacency:
Despite the pressure being on Rangers, Devlin was quick to dismiss any notion that their opponents are struggling.
“As I said earlier, I can understand potentially why people see it like that. I don’t. I mean, they’ve won two games away from home in Europe—they won the last game in the European competition by four goals. So yeah, I don’t think they’re in a bad place.
“They’re coming off the back of a win against St Mirren, which we’ve seen already this year can be very difficult to do. St Mirren make it really hard for you, so they’re coming off the back of another win. So yeah, it’s set up good—two teams that are in good form just now, and hopefully, we manage to come out on top.”
The Power of the Red Army:
With a sold-out crowd expected for the third consecutive game, Devlin knows that Aberdeen’s supporters will play a crucial role.
“Yeah, I think you have to use the atmosphere, especially when you’re at home. I think obviously Celtic and Rangers manage to do that well when they’re at home—they feed off the atmosphere, so it’s something we have to maybe look to do.”
As Aberdeen prepare to face a resurgent Rangers side, Devlin and his teammates are focused on building on their recent success.
The Pittodrie crowd will be in full voice, and the Dons know that with the right mindset, they can take another step forward in what has already been a promising campaign.