Jim Goodwin in Aberdeen battlecry as boss settles down for top six fight after 'crazy' start

Jim Goodwin plans to use the next two weeks to get his Aberdeen squad fine-tuned and ready for one frantic push for the top six.

The Dons may be disappointed not to be in Scottish Cup action but it gives their new boss a fortnight to get out on the training pitch and to work more closely with his squad.

Goodwin is already making his mark with captain Scott Brown leaving the club, while Jay Emmanuel Thomas’ long-term future also hangs in the balance.

Aberdeen sit disappointingly 10th but are just four points off the top six, with three games to play before the split.

His side return to action with two homes against Hibs and Ross County with an away trip to Dundee sandwiched in between. The manager has already said that he is looking for nine points from those games.

Goodwin claimed: “It will be very beneficial to get some real good times on the training pitch with the players as the midweek games are difficult.

“You are recovering and trying to prepare to go again without a lot of time.

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“Now with the break we can work with them on the grass to get them a little bit sharper and fitter if possible.

“It also means I can get that tactical stuff through to them as well with no pressure of a game at the