Jimmy Thelin praised his players’ character to battle to a significant 2-1 win for Aberdeen against Rangers.

The Dons play Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden Park on Saturday, with Rangers facing Motherwell in the other last-four game at the national stadium the following day.

It means there is now a nine-point gap between Rangers and the Dons and frontrunners Celtic.

The Swede said: “It was for sure an emotional game, a lot of things happened today. Different momentum of the game, I think our first half was one of the better ones. We attacked in different ways, the intensity of the game was really strong.

“In the second half they had more momentum, but we stayed in the game in a really strong team spirit.

“It was difficult in some parts, but with the supporters, how they support us, and also the calmness, not doing exactly what we want, but we stayed there in the game.

“And then again, the players to come onto the pitch, make some difference, important difference, and also how we are really dangerous in transitions.

“And we find a way. I’m so happy with the character of the team, and the atmosphere at Pittodrie. Once again, the character of the team, and the team spirit is so strong.”