Jimmy Thelin says cup break a chance for Aberdeen to ‘get fresh and start again’

Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin admits having a short break will be beneficial to his side as they bid to turn round the run of form that has seen them go five matches without a win.

The Dons, who remain second in the Premiership following Saturday’s 1-1 home draw with St Johnstone thanks to their fantastic start to the campaign, are not in action next weekend due to the League Cup final between Celtic and Rangers.

The home side were dominant against Saints, but fell behind after an error from Jimmy McGarry allowed Makenzie Kirk to slot home from close range.

Leighton Clarkson levelled early in the second half but despite having the majority of the ball, Thelin’s side could not find a winning goal.

He said: “It’s good for us to have the opportunity to rest and allow the players to recover, get fresh and start again.

“When things don’t go your way it’s a good way to grow and learn to manage situations, and keep the belief in what you’re doing. We won’t panic because we’re still in a good spot, so we won’t get stressed and will keep working.

“The only way to get better, to have the mental capacity and fitness to play three games a week is to live it. We have to mature and grow into that for our aim of competing and playing in Europe.”

Saints counterpart Simo Valakari also extolled the virtues of hard work and growing as a squad as he praised Kyle Cameron’s performance, the centre-back having stepped into the team as a late replacement for the injured Bozo Mikulic.

Valakari said: “In football things can changes in a moment, and we talk all the time about being ready. It’s credit to Kyle Cameron that he stepped in and had a fantastic game.

“To be there for the team when the team needs you is what I’m looking for. You might go through the week not playing but you should ask ‘what can I do for the team?’

“Kyle did that and it’s a very good example. You can always talk about values, but it’s all about the actions and today we saw an example, so I’m happy with that.”