Sivert Nilsen reveals his 2 Aberdeen non negotiables and why he turns 'crazy' when he takes to the pitch

The experienced Dons midfielder has been a massive driver in Jimmy Thelin's unbeaten side

Sivert Nilsen says he turns crazy when he steps onto the pitch because he's a natural-born winner.

The experienced Aberdeen midfielder has been a massive driver in Jimmy Thelin’s side that has gone 10 unbeaten this season. The on-form Dons will be looking to continue that by booking their place in the semi-final of the Premier Sports Cup when Spartans come to Pittodrie on Saturday. Nilsen is already a big personality on-the-field at the Reds but he is adamant he isn’t the same off it.

Nilsen, 32 claimed: “Actually I’m not the person who talks in the dressing room, I’m just the guy who gets crazy when I come on the field. Because I get into the bubble and my only wish is to win so I talk about what I see. If I see anything I don’t like I don’t think too much when I’m playing. It can be good sometimes and bad sometimes but my only wish is to win and do my best for the team.”

The Dons have been red-hot and Nilsen wants to make sure that continues and there are no cup upsets when League Two Spartans visit the North-east. Aberdeen will approach it like any other game, go in without fear and to try and put another win on the board. It has been the one game at a time approach that has served them well this season.

The League Cup has been an important competition. It allowed Thelin and his troops to find their feet in the group stages against Queen of the South, East Kilbride, Airdrie and Dumbarton. They then continued that run in the knockout stages as they netted a late winner against Queen’s Park. Now Aberdeen are potentially just 90 minutes away from the semi-finals and Thelin and his players could get their first Hampden visit.

Nilsen has previously won the Norwegian Cup with Hodd and SK Brann and is hoping to make it a memorable hat-trick in Scotland. He stated: “We see what’s happening and we play with no fear as we want to play and be ourselves. We might have to adapt to some clubs but we want to be ourselves whatever team we meet.”

The Thelin effect has been there for all to see. It is not a surprise for the Norwegian who knows him better than most, as he previously played for him at Elfsborg. The midfielder knows that all Thelin’s teams are built on a strong emphasis being on the team rather than individuals.

He explained: “Even before the games the manager talks about keeping doing what we were doing and sticking to the plan. There is also a lot of focus on team spirit and that has been really good especially from the players who haven’t been starting games. They are pushing us who are starting the game and I feel that the whole squad is pushing together in a positive direction.”

A lot of eyebrows were raised when Thelin paid a six-figure fee for a player who will be 33 next month. His performances on the park, however, have quickly silenced those doubters. He is a major part of the midfield driving room along with Graeme Shinnie. The captain missed last weekend’s win over Motherwell through injury but is expected to return against Spartans.

Nilsen confirmed: “I feel like it’s easy to play with him as he is a really good player. You can see his abilities with his passing and I’m really impressed with his smartness. He is a very good technical player and I enjoy playing alongside him as he is a very inspirational leader.”

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