Former Dundee United favourite Willo Flood is fired up for the visit of his old club to Pittodrie.
The Irishman, who has had two successful spells at Tannadice, returned from injury as a substitute in the Dons’ defeat to Ross County before the international break.
Now the former Manchester City and Celtic man believes the clash with the club he left in the summer would be the perfect time to get his place back in the starting 11.
“I am ready to go from the start against United,” he said. “Now I am fit, hopefully that will be me for the rest of the season.”
Flood is hoping to be joined by Barry Robson, another former Tangerines’ hero who has had the start of his Aberdeen career disrupted by injury.
Flood added: “Barry is an important player and we haven’t seen enough of him. Hopefully he’ll be back for the United game. It would be a great one for his return.”
Meanwhile, United are optimistic that Ryan Gauld will be fit for the match, despite an injury scare while on Scotland under-19 duty.
The 17-year-old was an unused sub on Tuesday when the young Scots drew with Germany. It is hoped the knee problem won’t be serious enough to sideline him at Pittodrie though.
John Souttar was also away with the under-19s, and unlike Gauld, played both matches on the trip. If there are any signs of fatigue, one or both could be stood down.
Manager Jackie McNamara said: “It’s quite a lot to ask of them, especially as they’ve been playing regularly in the first team.
“It’s good experience, but this week is different. From my point of view the preparation isn’t ideal.”