Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes said he is 'delighted' with the rescheduling of their League Cup semi-final after he felt the initial plan failed to consider supporters needs.

Originally the two last four ties in the tournament were scheduled to take place at Hampden on Sunday October 28, with Rangers and Aberdeen kicking off at 12pm and Hearts taking on Celtic at 7.45pm in a bid to ease fixture conflict.

But after those plans were met with widespread criticism, the SPFL rejigged the schedule for the day with the Hearts v Celtic game being moved to Murrayfield whilst Aberdeen's tie with Rangers was switched to a 4.30pm kick-off at the national stadium.

McInnes felt that the initial plans didn't cater for fans but believes that the new arrangement will better suit supporters and has called for Aberdeen supporters to get behind the decision.

He said: "I think they underestimated the public opinion and they underestimated the need to look after the supporters which for me is never healthy.

"You've got to have a high regard for them because they are the lifeblood of the game.

"I understand that it is difficult to come up with the right answers but supporters have been more catered for with this new decision.

"I thought the decision was a bit hasty last week rather than thinking it through and coming to this decision which is better all round."

"You're not going to please everybody but I do think trying to squeeze both games in the same day at the same venue was always going to be problematic and difficult and an unpopular decision, that's how it played out

"Now that is it a 4:30pm kick off hopefully our supporters really respond and get as many as we can down there and show a real strength and solidarity for our club. What a game it's going to be. Hopefully now we can just focus on the game because the focus has been on the fixture and the venue rather than the game."

With the decision now confirmed, McInnes is keen to put to bed any issues of off-the field issues and focus on the improvement of the Scottish game.

He added: "There's so much good going on in Scottish football, with good managers , good players, and clubs on the up. We are in such a healthy state.

"There's been too much talk of this and referees and compliance officers and appeals.

"The product is good at the moment. Its important to talk up our game rather than talk it down. We've had a tough week so hopefully we can get back to talking about the football."