Jim Goodwin is non-committal about the futures of Aberdeen outcasts Christian Ramirez and David Bates and suggested both could still be away before the window closes.
The Aberdeen manager spoke out after his side’s 4-1 win over Annan Athletic that needed extra-time in the Premier Sports Cup. Striker Ramirez and defender Bates didn’t so much as get a place on the bench at Galabank on Tuesday night – despite it being against part-timers.
Rumours have been swirling around the Granite City about Ramirez’s future since Goodwin replaced Stephen Glass last season and after the signing of Bojan Miovski, which saw the American stripped of the No.9. As for Bates, he was set for a move to Legia Warsaw until the transfer broke down at the last minute in July. Now Goodwin has hinted heavily the two could get their moves away from the Dons, with the window closing at midnight on Thursday.
The Aberdeen boss said: “For the time being they’re contracted. Both are disappointed not to be involved and want to play more regularly but there are more players ahead of them at the moment.
"Both players are used to paying every week so they’ll want regular football. Whether they force their way back in will remain to be seen. We don’t need to be too busy. There isn’t a panic from us. We’ve done a lot of good business.”
Goodwin was relieved at finally getting past Annan as he prepares to see his side go into the hat for the quarter-final draw that takes place after Wednesday night’s games. He said: “It turned into a more difficult game we’d anticipated.
"It wasn’t due to lack of respect. We prepared properly, we travelled last night, stayed over, did all things properly. Their fitness levels surprised us so Peter and his players deserve credit.
"As in any round of the cup it’s about getting through and we’ve done that which is pleasing. If you’d offered a scruffy 1-0 before the game I’d have taken it. I’m disappointed to concede when we did and go into extra time.
"The boys are tired but we got there. It’s a difficult venue. We knew it would be tricky, they had nothing to lose. I’ve been there with Alloa. You don’t have pressure and can throw the kitchen sink.
“If you get the goal then game on. We’d highlighted set plays and counter-attacks and that was the only way they were going to score. It turned out it was the set play. I was disappointed with the marking. Their overall performance warranted that but our class, quality and fitness levels came out.
“I’ve spoken about the quality and competition we have and tonight was an example of being able to make good changes. Duk gave us the great spark. His last three performances he’s really showed signs of what he can bring to the team.”
