Ross McCrorie on undying Aberdeen top four belief as he pinpoints vital Livingston turning point

Ross McCrorie is well aware this weekend’s game with Livingston could be massive in terms of helping Aberdeen achieve their Scottish Premiership top-four ambitions.

The versatile defender returns from suspension as Dons welcome the David Martindale's side to Pittodrie on Saturday. Aberdeen know a home win would take them back into the top six and McCrorie knows that’s a vital first step on the road back to Europe. He said: “It’s massive. If we have aspirations to be at the top end of the table then we need to start picking up points between now and the split anyway.

"We need to accumulate as many points as we can to get into the top six to start with and push on to the top four. It’s going to be tough. We have a tough run of games and we start with Livi at the weekend but I am quite confident.”

The Scotland squad player, 24, missed the win over Motherwell and the weekend defeat at Celtic after he was sent off against St Mirren. McCrorie said: “It’s been incredibly frustrating. I’ve been chapping away to get back playing again.

“It’s been two or three weeks and I’ve just been working hard, working away in the gym and on the pitch to try and improve as a player. I haven’t really had that all season, where I have had a few weeks off. It’s frustrating to miss the games but I’m champing at the bit to get back playing.”

Interim-manager Barry Robson remains in charge for the weekend and McCrorie has admitted he is making his mark on the Aberdeen squad. The Dons have been on the lookout for a new boss since they sacked Jim Goodwin last month.

McCrorie, speaking on Aberdeen’s Twitter account, he said: “It has been very tough. Robbo has his own ideas. It’s good to see that and all the boys are enjoying it. Intensity is