Critics can stop Harping on now.

Byline: Colin Duncan

RICKY FOSTER believes Aberdeen have stuck two fingers up to the critics who slammed them after their midweek Co-op Cup exit.

Dons legend Joe Harper rounded on Mark McGhee's men after they suffered the ignominious defeat at Dundee.

Harper branded Aberdeen bottle merchants ahead of their visit to Glasgow while McGhee admitted there were huge question marks surrounding several members of his squad.

Yet, despite fielding an inexperienced side and having to cope with the loss of central defender Jered Ifil in the first half at Ibrox, the Pittodrie outfit produced a spirited display to claim a well-deserved point against the SPL champions.

Dons full-back Foster said: "The criticism was hard to take in midweek.

"You'd like to think former players had experienced that kind of thing before.

"I try to blot it out and be oblivious to it.You don't want these negative comments.

"The 3-2 defeat was deserved as we didn't defend well against lower-league opposition.The former players obviously expect Aberdeen to be beating Dundee comfortably.

"When you lose games such as the one on Tuesday you have to expect some sort of flak.

"But you maybe don't expect it from former players who should know how difficult it can be.

"I just drew the blinds and kept my head down.

"We were eager to get another game to make up for it and the Rangers match was the best we have passed the ball all season."

Aberdeen recovered from the first-half loss of Ifil with Foster, the smallest player on the park, deputising impressively beside Andrew Considine at centre-half.

He said:"I thought it wasn't going to be our day when Ifil went off injured in the first half.

"I've played at centre-half before and fortunately I wasn't tested too much and we kept Rangers to a few half chances.

"If I have to do it against Kilmarnock next time so be it. But they have some big guys up front such as Kevin Kyle so I might have to take a step ladder."

CAPTION(S):

FOSTER: Switched positions