Jim Goodwin urges Aberdeen to approach key Dundee clash with ‘positive mindset’

Jim Goodwin knows top-six aspirations are outside Aberdeen’s control but hopes to keep them alive at bottom side Dundee on Saturday.

With two cinch Premiership fixtures remaining before the split, the Dons are in 10th place with 35 points, four behind Hibernian and Livingston, who are fifth and sixth respectively.

The 3-1 win over Hibs before the international break was Goodwin’s first as boss of the Granite City club and he is now looking for victories at Dundee and at home to Ross County to make the top half.

The former St Mirren boss said: “I know every single outcome that needs to happen.

“I have been doing all the permutations, but it is outwith our control, that is the frustrating part of it, but we have to make sure we win the game.

“A draw is no use. We have to approach the game in a real positive mindset, albeit we know it is not going to be easy, it is not going to be straightforward.

“Dundee are fighting for their lives. It is a massive game for both clubs and it is going to be a very difficult afternoon.

“In the previous two league fixtures, both teams have won one each, so we certainly won’t be underestimating Dundee.

“They are a good side. I have never managed against Mark McGhee before, I am looking forward to that. He is a good experienced manager.

“I thought his team were excellent against Rangers in the last league game, very well organised, structurally sound and I would expect more of the same on Saturday.

“It is going to be very difficult to break them down and get clear-cut opportunities and they are very dangerous on the break with pace in the team with (Paul) McMullen and Zak Rudden up top and Niall McGinn is a player who has got real quality who all the lads here will know plenty about.”

Goodwin