McInnes said: "I look forward to the Hamilton game. I think we'll be better for having had the game today in terms of match sharpness, and we'll be better in the replay for having a couple of games before then. We normally get better as we go along in the second part of the season."

McInnes also confirmed reports the Dons have made moves to bring St Johnstone captain Joe Shaughnessy back to the club on a pre-contract agreement.

"We've spoken with Joe's agent," he said. "We've notified Tommy (Wright) about that. We're entitled to do that, and we've made an offer to Joe to bring him back to the club. Hopefully that can be the case but at the moment he has other things to explore and staying at St Johnstone is still an option for him.

"I'm respectful that he's St Johnstone's player, but it's come out that we're interested and that's true. That's all I can say at the minute."

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