Kevin Nisbet eyes up Celtic clash return as Aberdeen handed major Premier Sports Cup semi final boost

Jimmy Thelin has confirmed Kevin Nisbet has given Aberdeen a pre-Premier Sports Cup semi-final boost.

The Scotland striker has missed the last two games with a muscle injury but will return to training on Friday, ahead of Saturday’s Hampden clash with Celtic. It is another massive boost to have the forward back on the back of Wednesday’s big Premiership win over Rangers. Thelin, who is preparing for his first visit to the national stadium, said: “The medical team did an amazing job this morning and everybody is ready to go, and even Kevin was out, and he's going to train fully tomorrow, so that's good. So we have everybody prepared for the game."

Aberdeen head to Hampden on the back of an amazing 16 game unbeaten record. The Dons only draw in that sequence came when they drew at table-topping Celtic, coming back from two goals behind. Thelin reckons his team needs to focus on themselves, their identity and what they are looking to achieve.

Thelin went on: “Yes, always like we talk more about preparing ourselves, believing in what we are doing then it's a football game, you always have to respect the opponent, but they believe in our identity, the team spirit is really strong, so that's what we're working with. Yeah, I think like, when you're working in this business, you have to always find this passion, and believe in yourself, and be ready, the schedule is there.

“So, I think the players are looking forward to the game a lot, they know how much it means for Aberdeen Football Club and the supporters, and it's a big game, so I think it's quite easy to prepare yourself for that game.”

The Dons gave Celtic a bit of a second half fright at Celtic Park and Thelin doesn’t think there will be too many surprises sprung from