Jim Goodwin was content with his lot in Leith after deciding to take on Hibs with only players who will be sticking around with Aberdeen next season.
The Dons gaffer gave contracted stars the chance to stake their claims – and left out anyone who’s on their way in the 1-1 Premiership draw with Hibs.
Goodwin said: “I picked the starting XI who are all under contract for next season.
“Of the nine subs, six have already been told they’re not getting an offer or are surplus to requirements.
“With that there is always a bit of tension and frustration within the group.
“But I try to be honest with people and tell them how it is and try to give them time to get sorted.
“So we went with a starting XI that had something to play for.
“I said to them before the game they’re playing for their jerseys next year.
“I said: ‘Go and show me you want to be here and be a part of it’
“If we need to move others on then that’s what we’ll do.
“But I felt we got a good reaction and response from the starting XI.
“The second half was very stop-start but yeah, the team that started did really well.”
Goodwin was pleased with the performance but admitted the second half fell short when he called on some of the nearly departed.
He said: “We came here to try and win the game. I thought we were very good first half.
“We were in control of the majority of the first 45 minutes, we were the better team.
“We pressed Hibs high up the pitch, denied them any real space.
“Second half I didn’t think we reached those levels.
“I have to give credit to David Gray and his players as well, they changed their system a little bit.
“And they were the better team in the second 45.
“So I don’t think any of us could have any arguments.”
