Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes is playing it cool over a Cup flare-up today

His side’s last meeting with Rangers was explosive.

But Derek McInnes last night poured cold water on the prospect of another flare-up in today’s Scottish Cup clash.

The Dons and Gers were both reduced to 10 men last time out at Pittodrie – and reports emerged of a dressing-room rammy after Rangers’ fiery 4-2 victory.

But with a place in the semi-finals on the line, the Reds’ gaffer insists his side will today balance their aggression with discipline to win their way through to Hampden.

“I think there’s an obligation from everyone in my team to play the game in the right manner, a competitive and aggressive manner that is needed to win the game,” said McInnes.

“But there’s also an obligation to make sure that you can keep a check on things as well and be disciplined about your task.

“It’s always more difficult when you lose players or are booked early on, and certainly red cards. The responsibility is on everyone.

“There were a lot of positives, despite the result from last time.

“In any big game, major incidents can have a bearing, if it’s referee decisions, sendings off or indiscipline.

“It’s important for us to accept the responsibility that if we want to be a cup-winning team, then we need to beat good teams.

“And the task of beating a very good team like Rangers is a lot more difficult if you don’t bring a level of performance and don’t bring a level of discipline.”

The Gers’ Alfredo Morelos was sent off in the last meeting between the sides, along with Aberdeen’s Scott McKenna.

It was the third time the Colombian had been given his marching orders against McInnes’ side this season.

Once again, he will be seen as the man Aberdeen must stop.

“Rangers have got very good players,” said McInnes.

“But, for me, Morelos is the star. Even when Rangers are not at their level, he’s the one who can produce and be the difference.

“It would be wrong for us to focus on a particular player. But I think it was a wee reminder for us recently.

“For us to get things right with our defensive work, get tight and make sure we try to limit – as we have done in the past against Rangers – his influence in the game.

“Because I think he’s a very good player. Aside from everything else, he’s a very good player.”