Anthony Stewart believes Aberdeen are ready to hit the ground running when they return from the World Cup break with a Premiership double header against Celtic and Rangers.
The Dons lie third in the table, having enjoyed impressive form at Pittodrie so far this campaign but struggled on their travels where their defensive frailties have come to fruition, and Reds captain knows the break came at a good time for them them to address certain areas of their game before taking on two of Scotland's biggest clubs in the space of three days.
Jim Goodwin's men used the months pause from domestic football to visit their strategic partners, Atlanta United, where they faced the MLS side in a friendly match and took part in a training camp. Stewart told the Press and Journal: “We have to look to come back from the break and hit the ground running. We are in a good position in the league and also have the potential to finish third. There is also a semi-final to look forward to. We would have taken where we are at the start of the season. I think the break came at a good time for us.”
Stewart admits being handed the ultimate Aberdeen leadership role just weeks after penning a two year deal from Wycombe Wanderers came as a huge shock but he reckons he's learned a lot about the game up north during his first few months and is now aiming to build on the start he's made in the Granite City.
He continued: "I had been the captain on a few occasions in the past for games but never permanently.
"At Wycombe there was a group of seven or eight of us who were known as the Generals. It was our job to hold the changing room together. I understood what it took to be a leader. I am enjoying it at Aberdeen.
"I always go on the pitch to do well. If I come off the pitch one day and I haven’t done well, then I know within myself that I need to do better and what I need to improve on.
“The first half of the season has been a big learning curve for myself. Adjusting to playing in the Scottish Premiership against different players that I have not played against.
“I now have a good awareness of what I am up against. I feel I am in a good place going into the second half of the campaign.”
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