DEL FINDS PLENTY OF POSITIVES FROM DEFEAT

Derek McInnes took plenty of positives from last night’s 2-0 defeat from Bolton Wanderers

With the start of the SPL campaign just a week and a half away Saints performed well against Owen Coyle’s premiership side but went down to two quality goals late in the game.

Post-match Del said: “Physically, it was a big ask of the players – four games in six days – and we knew it would be a challenge but we performed well and went toe to toe with a quality Premiership side for 80 minutes.

“In the end, I think the changes they made were the difference but I was very pleased with us defensively as a team. I just wish we had maybe asked a few more questions of them.”

With just one pre-season game to go – Spanish side Real Valladolid visit Perth on Saturday – Del is happy with how his pre-season preparations are going.

“You’re always looking at results to breed confidence but I’ve been at clubs where pre-season games have gone great but it’s meant nothing when the season starts. Tonight was a big step towards us being ready for the opening league fixture.”

Pointing out that Marcus Hebner has yet to train with his new colleagues and expressing delight at Jody Morris’s 90 minute involvement, Derek went on to clarify the continuing involvement of former Aberdeen and Dundee United man Stuart Duff who featured at right-back last night.

“I couldn’t go anywhere with it even if I wanted to” he said. “I’ve offered Stuart training facilities which helps him and he is helping us by playing when required. Dave Mackay (who hurt his back in the Dungannon match) is injured and Liam Caddis was feeling a bit leggy after his game against Manchester United and so Stuart helped us out.”

PHOTO: Owen Coyle greets his former player Andy Jackson at the end of the match