Thelin on cup pressure, Spartans praise & 'impressive' MacKenzie

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin has been speaking to the media before Saturday's League Cup quarter-final against League 2 Spartans.

Here are the key points:

• He says it is a "really important game" and the Dons have to embrace the pressure of being big favourites.

• Thelin praised Spartans and their "really good coach" Dougie Samuel, adding it is impressive he has been in charge for 12 years.

• On whether Spartans' win over Ross County should serve as a warning, Thelin says: "It is only one game and football is football so we have to be ready."

• Thelin hailed "impressive" Jack MacKenzie who recently made his 100th appearance for Aberdeen.

• Duk has "been doing really well" in training and "adapting quickly" but this weekend's game comes too soon for him.

• Graeme Shinnie returns from illness and long-term absentee Dante Polvara remains out.