No regrets for Aberdeen despite falling short in title bid
Aberdeen winger Jonny Hayes insists the Dons will not look back in anger after watching the collapse of their Ladbrokes Premiership title bid.
Derek McInnes' side looked for much of the season like they were ready to topple Celtic from Scottish football's summit but a run of poor results means Ronny Deila's similarly stuttering Hoops can all but seal their fifth straight crown if they beat Hearts at Tynecastle in Saturday's early kick-off.
Hayes, though, said: "We've said from the start we can't affect other teams' results. We've just got to go out and do the best that we can do.
"Where we are at the minute is obviously the best that we can do.
"There were performances and games that we would like to have improved upon but there's no point (in saying) what could have been or what should have been.
"We can't affect that now so all we can do is look forward to the next game."
For Motherwell, the pressure is off and fit-again midfielder Stephen Pearson is determined to make the most of it.
This time last year Motherwell were embroiled in an ultimately unsuccessful battle to avoid a relegation play-off, before thrashing Rangers 6-1 over two legs.
This season their only concern is holding on to fourth spot and Pearson is ready to finish on a high after missing four games - and three wins - because of broken ribs and a punctured lung.
The 33-year-old said: "When you compare the situation to last season, it was a horrible situation to be in. Albeit we managed to stay up, I didn't enjoy that at all.
"The pressure was huge, for everybody. It wasn't just the players that were under pressure, it was everyone at the club. Livelihoods were at stake and you don't want to let anyone down, let alone the supporters and everyone connected with the club. Jobs were at stake and we really felt the pressure.
"Now we are in the top half, the freedom is there to go and express ourselves and I think you are seeing that. The players are playing with a lot of confidence and have high energy."
Defender Louis Laing is back in the squad after a groin injury but is not yet fit enough to start. James McFadden (broken ankle) remains sidelined.
For Aberdeen, Adam Rooney will make his first appearance since mid-February after a thigh injury.
Defender Ash Taylor also returns from a thigh injury but Peter Pawlett is out for the rest of the campaign after club doctors ordered the midfielder not to avoid risking his broken arm further by returning to action.
Source: PAR
