Stephen Glass praised Ryan Hedges but admitted his Aberdeen man of the match was disappointed he didn’t net a hat-trick against Livingston.
The Dons are now level on points with sixth-placed Hibs after their 2-0 Pittodrie win over Livingston.
Hedges’s strike and David Bates first goal for Aberdeen got them back to winning ways after three defeats on the bounce.
Glass, when asked about Hedges’ contract talks, answered: “We’re trying, you can take a horse to water….
“He was good but disappointed he didn’t get two or three goals tonight. He was in good positions and if you take the goalkeeper out the net would be bursting.”
Glass knows it is important now to build with another win against St Mirren this weekend.
He admitted: “It was as comfortable as you can be against Livingston. In the first half we were excellent but when you go in only a goal up it’s always dangerous.
“The way we started the second half wasn’t great but when they went down to 10 men it did feel comfortable but you are always on edge with the run we have been on.
“Anytime they get free kicks and corners they are dangerous and you have to be on your guard but the boys defended brilliantly when they had to and we are pleased with the night’s work.
“We played the ball forward and were clinical. We’ve done a lot of work on that this week and it is always nice when it comes to fruition in the game.
“We were aiming to take six points this week and we’ve taken three. Now we are looking to finish it off.
“We’ve got a group of hungry boys. They put demands on themselves. They could have been better but we didn’t let the lead slip. It was pleasing to get the win and the clean sheet.
Glass watched the game from the stands after accepting a one match ban.
“It was frustrating but I was more controlled,” Glass added. “I was close enough to give information but Allan and Henry were there.
“We know what’s there for us if we can go and win games. I know what’s there if we don’t too. We are aiming above us and trying to win matches. We’ve got St Mirren here on Saturday and we’ll be looking to take another three points.”
Frustrated boss Davie Martindale questioned referee Craig Napier's decision to send Jackson Longridge off. He reckons that he was actually kicked by Hedges for the second booking.
He said: “I didn’t think it was a yellow card at the time and I’m even more sure after watching it back. Hedges had cleared the ball and kicked Jackson on the calf.
“I think the referee was pulling his card out from the start from the way he ran over. It was extremely, extremely, extremely soft second yellow card. Then the game was done.
“I can’t appeal it. If Ojo can’t get his yellow card (at Dundee United ) overturned then I’ve no chance!”
Martindale admitted his team were very much second best and he also had to take responsibility with team selection and tactics.
He conceded: “But I have to take responsibility for the first half because I think I got the shape wrong and we were lucky to go in one down if I’m honest.
“We got battered in the first half and I take the blame. But the sending off killed the game. After that it was about keeping the score down but we conceded a really poor second goal.
“Jack (Hamilton) is a young striker and still learning the game and it was his ball to clear and he didn’t attack it and Bates nipped in and put it in the net.”
