Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes has said his side deserve greater recognition as they battle for a fourth-straight second placed finish in the Premiership.

The Dons face Hibs at Pittodrie on Saturday knowing victory will ensure they hold at least a three-point advantage over their nearest rivals for the runner-up spot with just two games left.

Managerless Rangers and Neil Lennon's outfit are looking to cut the gap, however, as they look to overtake Aberdeen.

McInnes' Reds came under heavy criticism following their Scottish Cup semi-final exit at the hands of Motherwell.

The manager believes his side's league showings should be lauded, though.

He said: "The players deserve a lot of credit, we are up there again, sitting in second spot at the minute.

"People have commented that it has been an underwhelming season for Aberdeen while a lot get said about the teams around about us.

"We don't seem to be getting that same recognition, so hopefully by winning on Saturday people can begin to recognise there has been good work done here this year."

McInnes turned down Rangers' overtures earlier in the season, with the Light Blues installing Graeme Murty following the rebuttal.

Murty has now departed Ibrox while Rangers look to advance talks with Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard over becoming the club's new boss.

Pittodrie boss McInnes insisted Gerrard's potential arrival would boost the Scottish game.

He added: "The prospect of a global name like Gerrard coming into the Scottish game can only be a good thing.

"There is a lot of good about Scottish football at the minute and a lot of good managers.

"Certainly, Steven, if he was to come into it off the back of his playing career would add a box-office name.

"That can only help the game, I'm sure."