Collins calls on Hibs to add to Dons' downer

HIBS boss John Collins is seeking to capitalise on any European fatigue affecting Aberdeen and today urged his players to go for the jugular when the clubs meet this weekend.

The Dons were involved in a tough UEFA Cup clash against Atletico Madrid in Spain last night and, despite a battling display, they were defeated 2-0 by their big-spending opponents.

The Pittodrie side put in a tough shift but were forced to leave the Spanish capital with nothing to show for their efforts as they were undone by a penalty and a free-kick.

Jimmy Calderwood's men have to try to pick themselves up for this Sunday's visit of Hibs and, while Collins has sympathy with the difficulties his opponents face trying to combine European competition with domestic action, he is looking for his side to add to the Dons' woes early in the match.

"They had a tough game last night, away from home and, while we have to take care of our own performance, if there is any tiredness we want to make the most of that," said the Easter Road boss.

"We want to start the game well, we always want to start games well, and away from home it is always nice if you can get an early goal.

"This season has been tough for Aberdeen because you have to get players used to playing in the UEFA Cup on a Thursday and then again at the weekend and this will be new for many of them.

"It's something that takes a little bit of getting used to as it puts demands on the players and the squad.

"We fought back well against Dundee United last week but hopefully this time we can get our noses in front."

Meanwhile, Collins revealed that winger Alan O'Brien is a slight doubt for the trip north.

Collins had been hoping to have a full-strength squad at his disposal for just about the first time this season after Guillaume Beuzelin and Clayton Donaldson were both declared fit.

However, O'Brien was forced to pull up towards the end of yesterday's training session and was today being assessed by the club's medical staff.

The fact, however, that the game is being played on Sunday instead of tomorrow, is expected to see the former Newcastle United player win his fitness race.

"We hope to have every player available for the game. Alan O'Brien is slightly injured in that he had a wee bit of a tight hamstring after training yesterday but we hope that he will be okay," said Collins.

"We hope it's nothing serious but there can't be too many teams up and down the country that can say they have nobody on the treatment table and nobody suspended. It gives us great options.

"It means we have seven or eight players going for three forward places and that is a nice position for any manager to be in."