Spl Latest... Dons Boss Hits Out And Targets A Win Over Well
JIMMY CALDERWOOD last night admitted he expected Motherwell to snub the Dons' request to postpone tomorrow's clash between the sides.
Calderwood appealed to Fir Park boss Mark McGhee to give the Pittodrie players the weekend off to prepare for next week's UEFA Cup showdown with Copenhagen.
Gothenburg great McGhee rejected the appeal and Calderwood admits his plans to qualify from Group B and clinch another financial windfall could be wrecked by further injuries.
Calderwood, already without Darren Mackie, Jackie McNamara, Jamie Smith and Jeffrey de Visscher, said: "You're always worried about picking up injuries ahead of such a crucial tie.
"It would be an absolute disaster if we lost another four players at Fir Park because we just couldn't cope with such a small squad.
"That was the reason for our request to have the match postponed. It was no surprise that it was turned down. In fact, it was what I expected.
"But the game won't affect my thinking on the UEFA Cup, not at all. No matter the result, I'd doubt it would be the same team next Thursday against the Danes.
"It would be great if we narrowed Motherwell's advantage over us but it is always a difficult game down there.
"It will be even harder this time because they have been playing really well and will be full of confidence.
"But we're on a decent run of form ourselves and can be formidable opponents for anyone on our day. As much as Motherwell have players capable of hurting us, we have players capable of inflicting damage on them."
Zander Diamond (wrist) and Karim Touzani (knee), who missed last week's win over Kilmarnock, are in line to return.
Calderwood said: "I think Diamond and Touzani will be ready and it will be a massive bonus if they tell us they are OK tomorrow."
The midfield battle between former Rangers' team-mates Barry Nicholson and Stephen Hughes could prove decisive.
Nicholson said: "I played with Stephen for a few years at Ibrox and he is a very good player.
"He was just unfortunate to be up against some quality players like Barry Ferguson competing for a starting place.
