Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes wants greater patience from supporters as he looks to build a squad capable of challenging Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

The Dons were criticised after they crashed out of the League Cup in a 3-0 defeat to Motherwell last Thursday.

They were to offer an immediate response, however, winning 1-0 at Fir Park three days later to stay two points off early Premiership pacesetters Celtic in second place.

McInnes believes his side's display against the Steelmen in league action hinted reaction to the cup exit was over the top.

He said: "When you are building that togetherness you need to dig out big results like Sunday. All these experiences forge a strong bond as a team.

"What we showed last Sunday was we are not as poor as some people thought, it was two mistakes plus the fact we were playing a good team in Motherwell.

"We always search long and hard but I think some of the criticism from our own was beyond."

He added: "There has to be more trust in what we do, we are unbeaten and have good players who are working hard.

"We are in a decent place and are hoping to get another three points to reinforce a strong start."

The Dons host McInnes' former club St Johnstone at Pittodrie on Saturday, intent on taking three points as they look to maintain pressure on the league leaders.

While Aberdeen remain undefeated in the league, the manager believes his side are yet to reach top gear.

On-loan striker Greg Stewart agrees with his boss and also took aim at his own displays since arriving in the north east.

He said: "On a personal level I hoped to be doing better, it's not worked out that way but I just come in and work hard in training every day.

"We obviously have a big squad with a lot of good players. For me I expect to be doing better, though. It hasn't quite happened yet but hopefully that will turn around with hard work."

"It's probably down to match sharpness. Being in and out of the team has been frustrating but that's down to myself, I haven't played as well as I should be."

McInnes confirmed midfielder Greg Tansey will miss Saturday's Premiership clash and is out for four weeks following an operation.