WEEKEND PREVIEW: Jimmy Thelin’s ice-cool temperament to be tested for first time following cup capitulation

The fact that it has taken almost four months to understand how Jimmy Thelin responds to adversity tells you everything you need to know about how well things have gone at Aberdeen so far.

After all, until now his opinion on this subject has not been required.

Last week’s 6-0 Premier Sports Cup semi-final defeat by Celtic ended a record-breaking 16-match unbeaten run for the Swede.

It was painful, there’s no doubt about that. But it will take much more than a battering from the same side that dismantled Germany’s second-best team three days later to destroy Thelin’s icy exterior. Or his confidence in his team for that matter.

And it’s exactly why he expects his players to do what they’ve done all season – one ‘blip’ aside – when they take the field against Dundee tonight.

It was always a bit harsh to suggest that the Dons’ impressive start to the campaign was simply down to the absence of any form of formidable test.

His side are likely to bounce back from a 6-0 defeat to Celtic at Hampden last week

It was the first time the Aberdeen manager had tasted defeat since arriving at Pittodrie in June

Early wins over the likes of St Johnstone, St Mirren and Kilmarnock were not heralded as a major achievement. Bizarre actually, when you consider how much effort it has cost Aberdeen in recent years to provide those parties.

But while those wins were – to some extent – ​​unsurprising, the Dons more than showed their mettle when it came to taking on both halves of the Old Firm.

A fine comeback to take a share of the spoils at Celtic Park was followed shortly afterwards by a well-deserved win over Rangers. This created a nine-point lead over Philippe Clement’s team.

Aberdeen’s character and quality have been questioned several times this season, but they have passed every exam with flying colors.

Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see how some of their star performers react to getting back on track this weekend, none more so than Nicky Devlin.

Nicky Devlin was delighted to receive the Player of the Month award for October

It was a double celebration for the club as Thelin earned his second trophy of the campaign

The full-back was one of the surprise packages of the season. His form earned him a first international match for the national team against Portugal last month.

Coming off the bench, the ex-Livingston man made a crucial late block to deny AC Milan star Rafael Leao and secure a morale-boosting point.

However, his most recent experience at the national stadium was one he wants to forget. Teased and tormented by Daizen Maeda, he continued to beg for the full-time whistle. Not that he was the only one, mind you.

He certainly goes into this weekend’s match on a high, having been named Premiership Player of the Month for October. There was also good news for Thelin as he collected the manager’s award for the second time.

The pair’s recognition is just another reward for the important role they have played in Aberdeen’s transformation this season.

Scotland have rejected the entire process for Miller

Lennon Miller became Motherwell’s youngest ever captain when he led them onto the pitch in last weekend’s semi-final defeat to Rangers.

The 18-year-old was presented with the armband by boss Stuart Kettlewell, who showed no hesitation in placing his trust in the youngster.

Lennon Miller became the youngest player to captain Motherwell against Rangers last week

His performance confirmed that decision and cemented his fast-growing reputation as one of Scotland’s brightest talents.

It’s just a shame that we have to wait a little longer before he gets a chance in dark blue.

National team manager Steve Clarke was in the stands last Sunday, but despite expressing his admiration for what Lennon is doing at club level, he opted to leave him out of his squad for the upcoming Nations League double-header against Croatia and Poland.

Scotland manager Steve Clarke opted not to select the 18-year-old for his latest squad

Already regulars with the Under-19s, many in the Tartan Army had hoped to see him get a taste of the big time this month.

Clarke can’t pick players based on their popularity, but this seemed like a perfect opportunity to see what the boy can do alongside the country’s leading men.

McCabe suddenly feels the heat with Diamonds

Airdrieonians player-manager Rhys McCabe takes his side in high-flying Falkirk this weekend

Airdrieonians player-manager Rhys McCabe must be wondering how it all went so badly wrong.

The 31-year-old has gone from strength to strength at the Lanarkshire club since her appointment two and a half years ago, taking them to the Championship for the first time in a decade, before following that up with a fourth-place finish in the league. the second level.

Throw in an historic SPFL Trust Trophy victory over The New Saints and it has been a mighty spectacular start to life in the dugout.

However, just six months after signing a contract extension with the Diamonds, he is under intense pressure for the first time and a trip to high-flying Falkirk looks intimidating for a side at the bottom of the table.