Slobodan Rubezic's Aberdeen FC return timeline revealed as Peter Leven gives fans the news they want to hear

Slobodan Rubezic is on course to hand Aberdeen a huge boost heading into the business end of the season as he edges closer to a top team return.

The Montenegro defender has been sidelined with a knee injury picked up in the 1-1 draw with St Johnstone in January and missed the last 14 matches as the Dons sunk perilously close to the relegation zone. Back-to-back wins over Motherwell and Ross County under caretaker boss Peter Leven have lifted the Pittodrie side six points clear of Ross County in the play-off spot. And Leven revealed more good news was just round the corner with Rubezic closing in on a return.

He said: “Rubi is looking at mid-April, he’s training really well. He’s been dipping in and out with us, doing non-contact stuff so hopefully in a few weeks he’ll step up again. We’ve missed him, his first contact in duels is one of the best in the league so he’s important for us. He’s a big part of the squad.”

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Kelle Roos insists a feelgood factor is returning to Pittodrie just in time for a huge end to the campaign. Over 17,500 fans turned out for Saturday’s 2-1 win over County with a Scottish Cup semi final against Celtic just three weeks away.

Roos, who produced a string of important saves throughout the 90 minutes, said: “We knew the importance of the game but we also knew that there were a lot more points to play for. We don’t want to be looking at the table talking about this but at the same time, this is where we are.

"We could feel in the stadium how important the Ross County game was - it was a lovely day and we made it even better, so we’re happy. We have got back-to-back wins now so we need to keep knuckling down and get more results over the line.

“It was difficult at times against