Alan Pattullo's St Johnstone v Aberdeen verdict: Why Rangers-bound Scott Wright one of the few bright spots in Perth

The replies after the Aberdeen official Twitter account posted the team to play St Johnstone expressed what many of their fans thought about the continued deployment of Scott Wright.

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes (L) with Rangers-bound Scott Wright during the 0-0 draw with St Johnstone

Some seemed concerned about the message it sent out to those left sitting on the bench. Others were simply unwilling to accept a player now counting down the days until he joins Rangers being given a shirt at all.

It’s as much as we have to go on in the absence of fans as we attempt to gauge the mood of the Pittodrie faithful after confirmation of the winger’s imminent move to Ibrox on a pre-contract deal. Of course, others not so willing or able to record their thoughts on social media might well side with manager Derek McInnes’ view – as long as he is contracted to Aberdeen, he remains available for selection. More than that, he’s likely to start.

Wright has kept his place throughout the time in which the move has been mooted. He did so again here. The fact he was one of the away side’s brighter performers in a grim, goalless contest at McDiarmid Park underlines why McInnes is keen to keep utilising Wright for as long as possible. He lasted until the 84th minute, when he was replaced by Connor McLennan.

One of Aberdeen’s best chances came from his cute lay-off for Ryan Hedges, whose shot was blocked by a timely intervention from Jamie McCart. The listless Sam Cosgrove sent a header straight at Zander Clark. Otherwise, the nearest Aberdeen came to scoring was a Matty Kennedy chip from the edge of the box tipped over by Clark.

As for the League Cup finalists, who made one change from the side which beat Hibs so convincingly, Michael O’Halloran replacing Ali McCann, there were even fewer opportunities. Glenn Middleton, who has joined on loan from Rangers, came on with nine minutes left and might have won it at the death, but Lewis got down well to his effort from the edge of the box.

As for Wright, the topic du jour, he has now started Aberdeen’s last four matches, including the game against Rangers shortly before news emerged that he was being tracked by Steven Gerrard.

It’s possible to wonder if McInnes’ determination to continue playing a player who is dividing the club’s support is motivated partly by a desire to send a message to his board: I need funds to strengthen. Funso Ojo, left out last night, is in talks about a loan deal with Wigan Athletic.

There was an early opportunity to assess the strength or otherwise of Aberdeen’s bench when Tommie Hoban sustained a deep gash to his head after an aerial challenge also involving Chris Kane and team-mate Ross McCrorie.

It was actually both Aberdeen players who came off worse, Hoban in particular. With all 42 clubs having been canvassed as recently as last week on whether they would be in favour of concussion consultation subs being introduced this season, it was a topical development.

On this occasion, and to Aberdeen’s credit, there was little consultation. A groggy Hoban was helped from the field after a considerable time spent receiving treatment. It was abundantly clear to everyone he could not continue. Dean Campbell replaced him, McCrorie dropping back to right centre-half.

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