Source: Team_Talk
McGhee ready to call on injured duo
Aberdeen manager Mark McGhee has called on Zander Diamond and Yoann Folly to play through the pain barrier against Falkirk on Tuesday night. Defender Diamond and midfielder Folly will be given every opportunity ahead of the Co-operative Insurance Cup quarter-final to prove their fitness for McGhee's already-depleted Dons after injuring their ankles in last Saturday's 4-2 SPL win over Hibernian at Pittodrie.But with defender Andy Considine, who injured a knee in the warm-up for the Hibs game, struggling, McGhee is set to ask Diamond and Folly to take to the field in a bid to secure a last-four place."I'm hopeful those two will make it," said McGhee."We'll be asking them to push the boat out a wee bit."You're in a bit of discomfort, get some anti-inflammatories into you, grit your teeth, because we need you out there."On a day when you might think it might set you back for next Saturday - it doesn't matter, tomorrow night counts for everything."McGhee, whose side had one point out of a possible 18 prior to the victory over Hibs, urged his side to make the most of tomorrow night with a semi-final spot up for grabs.He added: "The only semi-final I've ever been in as a manager is when I took Wolves to the semi-final of the FA Cup, beaten by Arsenal."It's not something you get all that many opportunities to do, either as a player or a manager."It's a huge incentive for everyone."It's also an opportunity for some payback for the supporters."Over this period recently they've been very patient and quite understanding of our trials and tribulations, and it's a big opportunity to award them with something positive."McGhee admits his side are favourites for the tie against Irn-Bru First Division club Falkirk, who were relegated last term.But the Aberdeen boss anticipates Steven Pressley's team will be in the top-flight next term and is taking nothing for granted."The Premier League rightly should be expected to come through against lower league opposition," said McGhee."But we know how difficult a game it will be so we're under no illusions whatsoever."I think Falkirk will in all likelihood win the league."They're an SPL club in waiting as it were and I think they find themselves out of the division unluckily."Pressley is optimistic ahead of the trip to Pittodrie, following Falkirk's 5-1 defeat of Queen of the South last Saturday.Pressley said: "Our performance in the 5-1 win at Queen of the South on Saturday was excellent."I am sure that display will have given Aberdeen plenty to think about."Our confidence is good and it is a game that we are looking to win."Defender Tam Scobbie (knee) and winger Jack Campton (ankle) are out alongside long-term absentee Tam McManus.