Stephen Robinson revealed determination has been the watchword this week as Aberdeen prepare for their Premier Sports Cup tie at Kilmarnock on Saturday.
Both sides fought out a goalless draw in the William Hill Premiership at Pittodrie last weekend, making it one win in five for the home side which brought more criticism for the Dons boss.
However, with a trip to Barclays Hampden in the semi-final up for grabs, the Northern Irishman, who won the trophy with St Mirren last December, is approaching the game with positivity.
He said: “You get criticism when you don’t win football matches, we are expected to win home games.
“You have to be big enough to take that, strong enough to take that and try to make sure it doesn’t happen again, and determination’s been the word I can use this week.
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“The boys are extremely determined to progress in the cup and change the outlook.
“It’s something to look forward to. There’s been a positivity and determination around the camp.
“It’s a chance to get to Hampden. Whatever way you dress it up, whatever stage of the season, it’s a fantastic opportunity.
“I’ve been lucky to go there twice in the last few months so we’ll try and make it a third time. And we’re looking forward to it.
“I believe if we step up our game, then we have got a real chance of winning and progressing.”
French winger Hicham Mahou this week joined the Dons on a one-year deal, with a club option for a further year.
The 27-year-old, who left Swiss side Lugano in the summer, will be assessed by Robinson, as will midfielder Stuart Armstrong and skipper Kevin Nisbet.
The former Motherwell and Morecambe boss said: “He brings a lot of pace. I believe we needed another wide player, whether we play a back three or back four.
“I think it’s important we have people that go past people, and he certainly does that. So he will take a little while to get up to speed with his lack of game time over the last few months but he’s somebody we believe definitely adds to the squad.
“He’s available. Fitness levels, obviously, he’s not played for a long time, so we just have to assess that.”
