Jimmy Thelin stonewalls potential Rangers nine point gap as Aberdeen boss makes clear what his only focus is

Jimmy Thelin has insisted any thoughts of Premier Sports Cup glory have been parked because Aberdeen’ssole focus is on trying to extend their unbeaten run against Rangers.

The Dons make the trip to Hampden for their semi-final with Celtic on Saturday but their manager has insisted that isn’t even on their radar. Chasing Rangers make the trip to the Granite City and Thelin's team has the opportunity to put even more distance between them and Philippe Clement’s side. Thelin stated: “We don’t think about the Saturday game right now. The focus is all on tomorrow.

“That is why you have to be so focused on the things that happen today and not tomorrow because you can’t lose energy to think about what is in the future. The only thing that matters is the next training or game. That is the only way. You need to find as much energy as possible if you focus on only the next game.

“Even in the start of July, when the cup starts, you should always try to be the best you can be. That is the responsibility of myself and the staff, together with the players, to have the best team or squad because we use every player on the pitch for every specific game. It is no different for Wednesday.”

Aberdeen could move nine points clear of the Light Blues with another win. Thelin, however, knows there is a job to be done and nothing will be decided at this early stage.

He said: “It is so early, we are in October. I don’t think about the table in that way and how many points etc. The most important thing is our performance in the game and that is the only thing we focus on.”

Thelin was full of respect for Clement but admitted the focus on Cormack Park has been more about his team. He explained: “As usual our preparations are in our beliefs and what