Graeme Shinnie has dismissed claims from Kris Boyd regarding Aberdeen’s approach to playing Rangers.
Former Ibrox striker Kris Boyd courted controversy when he claimed that Dons manager Barry Robson would have no issue getting his side motivated to play Rangers.
This is after Aberdeen were humbled 6-0 by Old Firm rivals Celtic heading into the international fortnight.
Graeme Shinnie responds to Kris Boyd
Speaking to Sky Sports, Graeme Shinnie was asked about Kris Boyd’s comments and dismissed any suggestion playing Rangers adds extra motivation.
The Dons skipper reckons his side will be up for the fight no matter who they play with the Aberdeen squad looking forward to playing Rangers on Sunday.
“I think the manager would be able to get us up for any game,” said Shinnie. “Especially after that (the 6-0 defeat to Celtic).
“As players if you don’t want to make amends for a defeat like that then you’re in the wrong sport.
“So we’re all looking forward to the game on Sunday, it wouldn’t matter who it was we’d be right up for the game.
“Having a good week to prepare for it; we haven’t had a lot of weeks where we’ve had the full week to prepare for a game, we’re looking forward to the game.”
Aberdeen captain on Rangers/Celtic records
Later pressed on Aberdeen’s poor record against Celtic and better record against Rangers, Graeme Shinnie was giving little away.
Claiming that the Rangers clash is in no way “easier” than facing Celtic, the ex-Derby County star believes the Gers pose a real threat.
“I wouldn’t say it’s an easier game, these games are always tough games,” said Shinnie.
“Like I said, Rangers are on very good form under a new manager so we know it’ll be a very hard game for us coming up.
“But we also know on our side if we can play to our capabilities, at home, at Pittodrie with the crowd behind us, we’re capable of winning the game.”
Celtic result “embarrassing”
Graeme Shinnie has also been discussing comments from Kris Boyd where the ex-Rangers striker branded the Aberdeen result against Celtic embarrassing.
With the Dons collapsing in the closing stages of the match and conceding three goals in injury time, there’s been no shortage of criticism aimed at Barry Robson’s side.
“I think he’s just stating the obvious a little bit,” said Shinnie. “It is disappointing, it is frustrating, it is embarrassing that you’ve been beat 6-0.
“When you have these defeats you need to take criticism on the chin.
“We’ve had some good results away from home. At Ibrox, away to PAOK, we done really well away to Frankfurt and you probably take praise out of them games.
“On the flip side of that is when you don’t play well enough you need to accept the criticism, take it on board and turn things around.”
Rangers currently sit 2nd in the Scottish Premiership table, 15 points ahead of Aberdeen in 9th, with the two teams set to meet on Sunday 26th November at 12pm.
