Jonny Hayes eyes fast start for Aberdeen title bid

Aberdeen have won two from two in the Scottish Premiership thus far. Picture: SNS

Aberdeen pushed Celtic until the final quarter of the season, despite only taking six points from their first five games last term.

They have the same total after two games this year and are looking to take that improvement all the way as they prepare to face Motherwell at Fir Park.

Hayes said: “Obviously a couple of league wins to start off with is always nice. We are a few points up on where we were last year and if we can just keep that going for the rest of the season then obviously we will have a better season. It’s a tough ask but we have started well and you can’t ask for more so far.”

Motherwell have lost to Dundee United and Hearts in the past week but Hayes is not taking them lightly.

“They look a little bit revitalised compared to last year,” the Irish winger said. “Last year by Motherwell’s standards wasn’t great but they have signed some good players and they had a big result up at Inverness.

“There’s usually only the odd goal between ourselves and Motherwell so it will be a tough game. It’s a tough ask to keep the run going but we will go down there confident after two wins.”

While Motherwell were travelling back from Tynecastle on Wednesday night, the Aberdeen players were enjoying the end of an early-season break after postponing their midweek contest against Hamilton. After a six-match run in the Europa League, Hayes feels the interval was vital.

“The manager mixed it up and gave us a couple of days’ rest,” the former Inverness player said. “I think that’s important because we have been on the go for six or seven weeks and it’s been non-stop. It was nice to get a couple of days to reflect on where we are and let the legs recover. Everyone was sharp when we came back to training.”

Motherwell right-back Josh Law is determined to ensure his team do not get dragged into the predicament that caused some awkward family moments in May and June.

Law went head to head with older brother Nicky in Motherwell’s play-off games with Rangers days before former Motherwell midfielder Nicky was best man at his wedding. A 6-1 triumph for the Steelmen meant it was a good summer all round for Josh but Motherwell are keen to avoid a similar scenario this season.

When asked how the pair dealt with the situation, Josh said: “I think it was less said about it the better. My eldest brother had a little bit of a joke about it when he spoke at the wedding so it cleared the air. We were relieved to get the games over with but it was always going to be disappointing for one of us and thankfully it wasn’t for me, to be honest.

“It kept the club I’m playing at in this division, which was the aim. Obviously he was massively disappointed not to get his club up but I’m sure this season they will be bouncing back strong and going for it themselves.

“We don’t want to get in that situation again and quite frankly we shouldn’t with the squad we have got. We will be looking to push more for the top half than worrying about the bottom.”