Nicky Devlin to miss Celtic as Aberdeen boosted by Jack MacKenzie return

The full-backs both limped off against Kilmarnock but the game will come too early for Scotland cap Devlin

Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin has confirmed Jack MacKenzie will be fit for Celtic but Nicky Devlin is set to miss out.

The full-backs both limped out of the weekend win over Kilmarnock. MacKenzie has recovered from a lower leg issue but Scotland cap Devlin still has an issue around the shoulder area and the extent of the damage is still being assessed. Thelin said: “It's too early for Nicky, for tomorrow, let's see in the week, but Jack is available and ready. That's football sometimes and when it's settled down a little bit we could make an assessment. The medical staff we have are doing a good job, so he's ready to play.”

The Dons boss isn’t sure if Devlin will be fit for Sunday’s clash with Dundee United. He explained:“I think it's still too early to say, so let's see what the week gives us. “It's more around the shoulder, let's see.”

Aberdeen head to Celtic Park having already got a comeback point there earlier in the season. The Dons have also seen the other side when the Hoops hit them for six in the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals and know what they are capable of. Brendan Rodgers’ side are also coming off a shock defeat to Hibs. Thelin, however, is more focused on what his team does.

He said: “No, I think we have a clear picture of what we want to be in the future and to be better you have to look forward to the challenge of Celtic away, it's a difficult game. Brendan Rodgers has done a really good job there, good team.

“So for us it's the way we want to achieve in the future, we need to take these challenges and grow with that and give everything we can tomorrow and try to get the points. We know it's going to be difficult but we have to believe in that and also keep growing with these challenges.”

It is a big game for the Dons as they look to hold on to third place with Dundee United and Hibs, who are just behind them, going head-to-head at Tannadice. Aberdeen are boosted by their three game winning run.

Thelin claimed: “I think when we have our period of results, we try to train even more, pushing really hard. Here at Cormack Park, the players push themselves so hard in training and keep believing in things.

“The only way to get out is to keep working really hard and try to keep the direction and adjust small things of course and also some recruitments and the competition inside the squad. For me, you have to deserve the results. We have the hard work behind it.

“It's that I can see when we win the games and the face of the players, all the work they have put down in a difficult time and then get some relief when you get the points and work for it so hard.

“That's a really good feeling, but we also know there is an important part still in the season in the league. It's really tight in the table. Every game now is going to be really important for us to achieve our goals for the season.”