Russ Speaks Out

Anderson was conveniently linked with a switch to the Dons' Saturday opponents in a couple of disreputable tabloids with links to pornography on Tuesday.

But by Thursday, Russell had scooped the Bank of Scotland Player of the Month gong for November, voted by the Scottish media.

The big central defender takes everything in his stride off the pitch as well as on, and only wanted to speak about his club's chances against the runaway league leaders at Celtic Park tomorrow.

He told RedWeb: "We have managed to find consistency in the last month as the manager has managed to keep team selection consistent with very few changes. This has helped our performance and we just need to try and keep this going.

"We are under no illusions of the task we face as they have a great home record and not many teams win there.

"We are one of the few that have achieved this so we know what is required."

Russell also brushed off the week's press speculation. He told BBC Sport: "The article about Celtic was just one story this week and, to be honest, I don't think that sort of thing has any affect on myself, or other people for that matter.

"I said at the start of this season when I had two years left on my contract I would happy to talk about staying here for longer, because I am currently enjoying my football at Aberdeen.

"Not much time has passed since then and my situation hasn't changed."