DONS boss Mark McGhee is full of praise for summer signing Scott Vernon and his recent goalscoring form.
The striker took his tally to four goals in three matches with a double against Raith Rovers that sent the Dons into the quarter-finals of the Co-operative Insurance Cup with a narrow 3-2 win. McGhee has been impressed with Vernon's overall contribution since joining the Pittodrie side after being released by Colchester United.
McGhee said: "He links play, he wins headers, he is a pest to the opposition's back four and he gets goals. As a summer signing we couldn't ask for more. It is a shame he wasn't fit from the start of the season but he has certainly hit the ground running. We are thrilled with what he has done for us so far this season."
The Dons boss expects to face Rangers on Sunday without inspirational skipper Paul Hartley, who picked sustained a hamstring injury in the win over the Irn-Bru First Division side.
McGhee said: "Judging by his reaction and from what I have seen in my experience of hamstring injuries I would say he certainly won't make Sunday. I'd be amazed if he does.
"Andrew Considine knocked his hip a little bit but he is less serious and could be available on Sunday."
The Dons boss revealed he intends to revert back to a more defensive formation when the Ibrox side visit the Granite City.
"I'm trying to come up with a system that Walter (Smith) won't be ready for so we might even put six at the back!" he joked.
"Rangers are in brilliant form and I think even if we did have everyone fit, we would be entitled to think that about stopping them scoring first."
Source: PA
Source: PA