Aberdeen v Inverness CT: Brown hopeful Langfield will sign new contract and stay at Aberdeen

Published on Friday 29 April 2011 17:18

Aberden v Inverness CT Clydesdale Bank Premier League At Pittodrie Stadium, today, 3pm Radio Scotland/BBC Online

Speaking ahead of Aberdeen's Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Inverness, Brown said: "I'd be disappointed if he didn't accept. He's based here, he's happy here and his offer I think would be very acceptable."

Brown this week continued making changes to the Dons squad, with seven players set to depart, unless agreement can be reached with Norwich to allow Steven Smith to stay at Pittodrie.

Brown has assessed areas of the team in need of reinforcements. He added: "We need a goalkeeper to be back up for Jamie Langfield, we need a central defender and a midfield player. When good players in other positions become available we'll be interested in them."

Brown expects Zander Diamond to depart, describing a move as "almost certain", but knows the defender will continue to give his all in Aberdeen's remaining four games of the season.

And Brown dismissed suggestions the contest with Caley Thistle is meaningless, adding: "If you're Zander Diamond and you're out of contract, you want to get the best deal possible from the club that's interested in you - we're assuming it's Hearts - so he'll want to play well. A guy like Derek (Young] will want to play well to put himself in the shop window.

"That's one of the reasons why we told them early. In fairness to the players, give them early warning so their agent can say 'go see them playing'. I think we've been fair to our guys."

Midfielder Young has been told his services are no longer required after almost 250 appearances in two spells with the Dons, and Brown said: "I have the highest regard for Derek Young. There were other guys, had everything been equal, we might've wanted to release before Derek but they're not going to go.

"You can only release players who are out of contract. It was unlucky the timing of his contract and therefore I feel a bit of sympathy towards Derek."

Brown has admitted feeling concerned for Paul Hartley, who is out with a knee problem and has hinted he may retire. "He's honouring his contract," Brown said of Hartley, who is under contract for next season. "He's despondent because he's not been playing in the last 14 games. I feel sorry for him."

Aberdeen drew 1-1 with Hamilton on Monday and are without an SPL win in nine attempts, their most recent victory coming in the 22 February defeat of Accies. Caley Thistle, meanwhile, beat St Johnstone 3-0 at McDiarmid Park on Monday night and enter the match four points clear at the top of the bottom half of the table.

Inverness manager Terry Butcher believes the innocence of youth will be the key as Caley Thistle aim for seventh place. Lee Cox, Nick Ross, Aaron Doran and Shane Sutherland all impressed and look set to continue today.