Source: Team_Talk
Crunch time for Calderwood
The Dons, Dundee United and Hearts appear destined to battle right down to the wire to secure the third and fourth spots in the SPL which would guarantee European involvement next term.And with the Jambos travelling to Tannadice on Saturday, Calderwood knows a win over Kilmarnock would bring the Dons right back into the fight to finish 'best of the rest' behind the Old Firm."It is imperative that we win our game and then we can see what happens with Dundee United and Hearts," he said."If we win, we can leapfrog United or get closer to third place, depending on what happens at Tannadice. But there is no point going through all the different scenarios if you don't win your own game."Full-back Richard Foster will return to the Aberdeen squad after being dropped for last weekend's 2-2 draw with Dundee United following a disagreement with Calderwood.Jamie Smith, who has only made one substitute appearance for the Dons since his last start back in August in an injury-plagued season, has also been passed fit to play against Killie.Calderwood said he was delighted to have the 28-year-old back available - particularly given that Sone Aluko could miss the game because of flu."I think all the players and the staff will get a massive lift to see Jamie back playing again," he said."Jamie is an important player for us so it is great to have him back available."The Dons boss added that he won't be using the poor Pittodrie playing surface as an excuse should his side fail to pick up all three points against Jim Jefferies' side."We showed against Dundee United that we can play on the pitch," he said. "Our groundsmen are working very hard to get the pitch sorted and I'm sure they will."The weather hasn't been the kindest to us over the winter and having the undersoil heating on so much has affected the grass."But we just have to get on with it. There are a couple of teams in the league that have got it worse than us."And despite Killie's lowly league position, the Aberdeen boss insists his side will have to be at their best if they want to emerge with maximum points tomorrow."I don't know what has happened to Killie because they hammered us in the league cup and our other games against them have been very difficult," he added."They are a big physical side and very dangerous from dead-ball situations. They have had problems with injuries and suspensions this season but we know they will be very dangerous opponents."