THE HAPPY DONDERERS

Skipper reckons long early-season trips have helped new-look Dons squad gel and hit form

- SCOTT BURNS

CAPTAIN Graeme Shinnie reckons after all their early season travels, Hampdenbound Aberdeen are really starting to go places.

Beating Ross County in the league and Viaplay Cup has set up a semi-final against Hibs on Saturday, November 4 with a 5.15pm kick-off at Hampden.

It had been a major summer of upheaval, with boss Barry Robson bringing in 13 players to help the club fight both domestically and in the group stages of the Europa Conference League.

It has taken time for Aberdeen's new-look squad to gel but skipper Shinnie believes all the European trips and the Dons' domestic travels have developed a real togetherness and bond among the squad- on and off the park.

That will be tested to the full when Robson's side travel to Ibrox this weekend.

Shinnie said: "It's another tough game but we need to rest and travel again on Friday. We won't use it as an excuse.

"We will use it in a way where it keeps everybody together, travelling on the bus or plane. We have 13 new players and that has let us get together and gel. That has been good for us.