Source: Team_Talk
McGhee: Dons performance is key
Dons boss McGhee is looking to take the pressure off his side at Parkhead, with the build-up to the trip dominated by talk of back-to-back wins over the Old Firm.[LNB]That was last achieved 30 years ago, when McGhee netted in a League Cup victory on the same ground.[LNB]McGhee, who last weekend masterminded Rangers' first SPL defeat of the season, said: "I'm, in a sense, giving the players a licence to lose.[LNB]"As long they have a go and as long as they play to somewhat near their potential, whatever the result will be, we'll accept it."[LNB]McGhee questioned the historic significance of back-to-back wins over the Old Firm, pointing out Aberdeen rarely played consecutive fixtures against Celtic and Rangers.[LNB]He added: "Performance is the thing because you can go to Parkhead and play well and get beaten, so you can't worry too much about the result.[LNB]"It's always difficult there but if we go there and play well and they play better then there's nothing we can do about that.[LNB]"We can go up the road happy in that sense and go on to the next game.[LNB]"If we do play as well as I think we're capable of at this moment in time then I do think we have a chance of winning."[LNB]McGhee will not accept his side being one of those teams who "rest on their laurels" after beating one of the Old Firm.[LNB]"I'm challenging our lot to say, 'Are you one of those teams, or are you a team that actually can put that result behind you and now focus on the next result and the next performance?"' he said.[LNB]"That will be a real measure of how much better we're getting."[LNB]McGhee, whose side have taken seven points from their last three games, added: "I'm not going to change from my belief that we are in the infancy of something, trying to build something.[LNB]"Whether we beat Rangers last week or beat Celtic back-to-back this week doesn't change that.[LNB]"We've still got a long way to go.[LNB]"It would be great for everyone, for the supporters, the players, for myself, but the Hamilton game next week will be an equally hard game."[LNB]McGhee knows Aberdeen may need a "more forgiving" referee at Parkhead than those who have dished out four "lightweight" red cards to his team in the last four matches.[LNB]But he added: "If we had six men this week and we win, I'd rather win.[LNB]"I've not got big, big issues with the refereeing."[LNB]McGhee revealed the Dons had made an approach for Motherwell winger Jim O'Brien - who is out of contract at the end of the season - but had yet to receive a response.[LNB]He has also still to decide whether he wants to sign Paul Obiefule or Ruaidhri Higgins.[LNB]Nigeria midfielder Obiefule has returned to Lyn Oslo in Norway after spending two days at Pittodrie for talks with McGhee.[LNB]Northern Ireland Under-21 cap Higgins has spent the last two weeks on trial.[LNB]McGhee said he would only be able to sign one of the players, adding he will meet Obiefule's agent - who is also his brother - next week for further talks.[LNB]He said of Obiefule: "I wanted to meet him, I wanted to talk to him, try to sell him Aberdeen a little bit.[LNB]"But we've still got to make a decision if he's a player we actually want to sign."[LNB][LNB] Celtic v Aberdeen. Click here to bet.
