Anderson set to bow out
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes admits his team's Scottish Premiership season finale is all about trying to give Russell Anderson a winning send-off.
Anderson will lead the Dons out and start against St Johnstone on Sunday in his final match as a professional footballer.
The defender has made more than 400 appearances for his home city club in two spells and will be forever remembered as the man who lifted the Dons' first trophy in 19 years when they won the League Cup last term.
Anderson has seen his final season ruined by a knee injury but he has returned to fitness just in time to take his bow in front of a Pittodrie crowd that will be boosted by cut-price admission fees.
McInnes said: "It must be said that while it is an important game and a proper game as St Johnstone need to win, which I am pleased about, the day will belong to Russell.
"It is important Russell has the opportunity to say his goodbyes to the fans on the pitch. He is deserving of that and he is also deserving of a big crowd for his efforts and what he has given to the club. I am sure the fans will turn out to see Russell in an Aberdeen shirt for the last time.
"We will be trying to win the game so Russell can leave as a winning captain. It would be fitting if we did that."
St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright has warned that Aberdeen have as much motivation to win their final game.
Saints will clinch fourth spot - and a potential Europa League place - if they at least match Dundee United's derby result on Sunday when they travel to Pittodrie.
The Dons have already clinched second spot and have rested players in recent games but Wright knows that a large home support will be turning out expecting victory.
"They might have a bit of freedom but Aberdeen have had another great season," he said.
"There will be a big crowd. Fair play to them, they have reduced the prices to B#10 and B#5. I think we are taking a really good crowd up as well.
"It's Russell Anderson's last game, so there is a bit of an occasion for Aberdeen.
"No one likes losing and they will want to finish the season in style in front of their own fans. It will be our job to prevent that."
Saints edged ahead of United last weekend with a draw against Celtic but Wright is fully focused on securing victory so he does not have to worry about events at Tannadice.
"The only way we can approach it is to go and try to win the game," said Wright, whose team will qualify for Europe if they finish fourth and Inverness win the cup.
"With it only being one point, we can't go looking for a draw and expecting Dundee to get a draw off Dundee United.
"The only way you can approach it is in a positive way. And that is how we have approached the whole season, to be as positive as possible.
"We are going into the game on a run of really good performances. We have only lost two games in 12, which is a tremendous run for this stage of the season.
"And the performances have been getting better, the Celtic game was a perfect example.
"So I am really pleased with how we are playing but I am aware that it's a difficult game against a very good side."
Source: PAR
