Injury Nightmare Almost Over - For Now

Last updated : 06 February 2007 By Stand Free Ed
DONS boss Jimmy Calderwood should have a full squad to pick from in two SPL games' time.

Long-term injury victims Craig Brewster, Jamie Smith, Richie Byrne and Zander Diamond will definitely miss the next two games against Dunfermline and Celtic.

However they were all running during Thursday's training session, and Calderwood predicts the nightmare wll be over for them soon.

"Hopefully they will all be back for the Falkirk game [on March 3rd] and if not that then the following week when we play Hearts," he told RedWeb.

He added: "Miller took a little knock in training [on Thursday] and slightly twisted his ankle but hopefully it is nothing too serious.

"We don't have the money to go out and buy players but if we have everyone fit then I am happy with my squad of players."

Despite this last remark, there have been rumours flying about Aberdeen that the Aberdeen board are unhappy at the inability of Calderwood to get rid of the 'dead wood' at the club during the transfer window.

There are also claims of displeasure at Jimmy's unwillingness to utilise the Aberdeen youth players the way that former managers Alex Ferguson and Alex Smith did.

An insider at Pittodrie has alleged that Dons starlet Andy Bagshaw has no chance of playing for the Dons first team under Calderwood despite being hot property a couple of years ago.

However, it has been a good few days for the young Dons.

The Aberdeen U19s had an impressive win over SPL Under 19 League leaders Celtic away from home last Friday.

Willie John Keily and Mark Thomas scored as the young Dons sneaked home 2-1 at Barrowfield.

And on Sunday, Aberdeen's own Chris 'Phil' Maguire scored as Scotland U19s kicked off their tournament in Spain with a 3-1 win over Austria.