The Injuries Strike Back

Last updated : 20 October 2005 By Stand Free Ed

Aberdeen have suffered an injury nightmare in the build-up to Saturday's crunch game with Hibs.

This season's top scorer Jamie Smith was sent home from training suffering from 'flu, then last season's player of the year Scott Severin picked up a knock. Both are now doubts for Saturday's fixture against the Cabbage Ribs, who the Dons finished level on points with last season. Both players will be given every chance to prove their fitness, but the likelihood is that they will miss out on the chance to help the Reds close the gap on the 3rd placed Hibees.

Better news for the Dons is the return of Richie Byrne from suspension and Michael Hart from long-term injury. Hart made a successful comeback Monday's reserve game against Inverness Caley Thistle, and joins recently returned Darren Mackie in the squad for Saturday.

Dons gaffer Jimmy Calderwood paid tribute to Mackie and Hart ahead of the game, telling the Press and Journal: "Last season Michael and Darren Mackie were a revelation and they were the ones who were getting dog's abuse from the crowd.

"It shows their character to come back from that and they were our most consistent performers."