Mark McGhee is hoping Aberdeen have learned the lessons from their defeat to Hibernian and will provide the perfect response in their final two Clydesdale Bank Premier League matches of the year.
The Dons head into their Boxing Day clash with St Mirren on the back of three successive losses, a run that has left them nine points adrift of the top four.
McGhee watched his injury-ravaged side slip to a 2-0 loss against Hibs last weekend, despite enjoying long spells of dominance.
And he has demanded an improvement up front against St Mirren, saying: “We didn’t create enough chances and we talked about that, we continued to lecture about finishing and hitting the target and taking shots and getting the ball into the right areas.”
The Dons will not be helped by the suspension of striker Lee Miller on Boxing Day, but McGhee believes back-to-back wins against St Mirren and Falkirk will set his side up perfectly for their January 2 trip to Dundee United, who currently occupy fourth spot.
“We have two good games now which are games which give us an opportunity to bounce back ready for the Dundee United game,” said McGhee.
“So that’s got to be our target, to win these games and set ourselves up for the Dundee United game.
“We’re missing Lee Miller this week so we’ll obviously have to improvise there as to how exactly we play.”
Like most managers, McGhee’s preparations for Boxing Day have been hampered by this week’s big freeze and he welcomes a run of three matches in seven days.
“The Christmas period’s a period where, particularly with the weather, you can’t do a lot of training anyway,” he added.
“The games focus you so I think having three games in a week is not a bad thing.”
McGhee expects to complete the signing of Manchester City midfielder Paul Marshall shortly, but admitted he may be the only arrival at Pittodrie during the transfer window.
“I’ve said all along that I’m gearing up for the summer,” McGhee said. “The boy Marshall may come in at Christmas, it’s looking like he probably will. Beyond that, I’m not sure that anybody else will.
“If I can find anybody else to strengthen the squad and help us, that would be great, but I’m not holding my breath.”
The Dons boss was, however, buoyed by yesterday’s news that Michael Paton has signed a new deal until 2013.
“Michael is another one who we think can become a really good player,” said McGhee. “He’s got goals in him but he’s not producing yet.
“Eventually he’ll play in a position which will give him the opportunity to score goals.”
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