Jim Goodwin believes Anthony Stewart's comments about Alfredo Morelos may have handed the Rangers attacker unwanted extra motivation.
The Aberdeen boss came out in defence of his captain's claim during the week that he would rather go up against the Colombian rather than Ibrox counterpart Antonio Colak due to - in his opinion - the Croatian being the better forward. Goodwin admitted this week the defender should have known better not to be drawn in to the question about the Light Blues forwards.
Goodwin is preparing his side for a Viaplay Cup semi-final with Michael Beale's men and was quizzed again pre-match about the potentially tasty battle between the two, but reiterated no disrespect was meant by his captain.
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He told Viaplay Sports pre-match: "Anthony got dragged in to something he probably shouldn't have. He should have known better and been a bit more diplomatic in his response to the question.
"He knows the media attention that's been brought on himself and us. We are not dwelling on it but we have spoken and it won't happen again. I can assure you that.
"We don't need to be giving the opposition any added motivation. He's a leader for us, our captain and a great example around the place. The comments were regrettable but there was no disrespect meant by them, he was giving his opinion. In our position you're not allowed to give that.
"He will be a big player for us today and of course Morelos is in the starting eleven for Rangers so that should give us a good battle today."
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