Derek McInnes praised his Aberdeen players for their efforts as they beat 1-0 to go into the international break on a run of form, and the manager singled out Gary Mackay-Steven for applause.

A first half goal from the winger settled the match at Pittodrie, with the winger seizing upon a mistake from Ryan Porteous before firing a powerful shot past Adam Bogdan.

Mcinnes said that his players had earned the win by containing and pressing Neil Lennon's Hibs side and said that Mackay-Steven had taken the chance well when it came.

He added that the winger had started the season well and claimed he was a match for any player in his position in the Premiership.

"It was always going to be a difficult game and the conditions were as we expected," McInnes said. "The importance of winning the game was clear, and the work-rate and industry at the top end of the pitch allowed us to unsettle Hibs.

"We limited their opportunities to have an impact on the game. Chances were always going to be at a premium, but we've capitalised on a loose pass from their boy, and Gary has a brilliant finish.

"It was important Gary delivered a performance tonight. He's got to feel that importance of being a big player for us and be relevant. He's capable of big moments and goes into the international squad on the back of starting the season very well.

"If he gets the chance to play he'll be ready. For me, when he reaches his levels he's as good a wide player as we've got in the league."

Hibs boss Neil Lennon saw his side defeated but wasn't too hard on his players, insisting that they deserved something from the match and could have had it with a little more composure.

"In the second half we missed three good chances to get back in the game, and I don't remember our goalkeeper being bothered in the second half," he said. "We've conceded a poor goal when we're in comfortable possession which is very frustrating.

"To be fair to the players, five of our last six games have been away from home and three of those have been Hearts, Aberdeen and Celtic. I think we can do better, but the only disappointing performance was St Johnstone last week.

"That's three games now where we haven't scored and that's not like us at all. It's not as if we're not creating chances, but there's not a lot wrong. I'm not going to whip them for that today - maybe the centre-forwards!"