SEVERIN: BRING ON RANGERS

Scott Severin played a pivotal role in taking Aberdeen into second place in the SPL on Saturday and has now targeted success against Rangers to continue a memorable campaign.

The Dons beat Severin's former club Hearts 1-0 at Tynecastle on Saturday and Rangers' 1-1 draw with Celtic at Ibrox yesterday means the Dons go into this weekend's Pittodrie fixture with a two-point lead on the Light Blues.

Aberdeen lead fourth-placed Kilmarnock by five points and can take a significant step towards qualifying for European football next season should they defeat Rangers.

Severin's shot at Tynecastle was parried by Scotland international goalkeeper Craig Gordon for Dons substitute, Steve Lovell, to score the winner and Severin believes the late winner could have a huge significance. The 26-year-old Stirling-born Scotland international knew his former employers were in chaos following the dismissal of former captain Steven Pressley and the benching of midfielder Paul Hartley.

He said: "I thought we had a chance of winning because of what has been happening at the club. What has happened with Paul was in the back of our minds and it was a big bonus he wasn't playing from start, although he had a terrific game when he came on. We have a good defensive record and knew if we could keep a clean sheet we would have a chance of nicking a goal.

"Our record has not been great here over the years and I think we have only won one in our last nine games at Tynecastle, so we are all delighted by this win."

Aberdeen's run of seven wins, one draw and one defeat from their last nine matches has rekindled enthusiasm for a sustained challenge for a place in European competition next season.

Severin added: "It has been a while since any team other than the Old Firm or Hearts has been in second place in the league, so we will enjoy it while we can.

"It sets us up for the game against Rangers on Saturday and, hopefully, we can carry things on into the new year. Another bonus for us was Hibs being beaten on Saturday which has opened a gap on them and given us some breathing space.

"Our form at home last season was not good but we have won five in a row at Pittodrie.

"It is a massive game against Rangers. Hopefully, it will be a full house and we can get the win."

The Dons started Saturday's match with 11 Scots in their team - English substitute Lovell replaced Lee Miller and scored the winner - and Severin believes the make-up of the team is important.

He said: "It shows the progress in having homebred players.

"I think having a Scottish team is a good thing. We are all working away together and if someone makes a mistake you know your team-mates will back you up."

Match-winner Lovell hopes his goal will earn him a sustained run in the side. He said: "I was just pleased to get on and get the victory. I've had a lot of injury problems, so I just need to keep working away and I'm sure my time will come. We have worked hard this year and we are getting results that we weren't getting last season.

"This year we are getting three points instead of drawing and that has pushed us up the table."

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood will continue talks with former Caley Thistle and Dundee United manager Craig Brewster. The 40-year-old played for Calderwood at Dunfermline and the manager is interested in signing the veteran forward until the end of the season.

He could sign for the Dons on January 1. Calderwood, who faces competition from Kilmarnock and St Mirren, said: "Whoever he signs for, Craig will still be one of the best centre forwards in the league."