The manager gave valuable game time to several fringe players in the club's 4-0 victory over St Johnstone.

Ben Godfrey and Tuur Rommens were among the players who got an opportunity from the bench, while Bojan Miovski, Djeidi Gassama, and Tochi Chukwuani also came on as substitutes.

However, Vanja Dragojevic remained on the bench. Discussing his squad selection, McInnes said: "I wanted Ben Godfrey to get minutes because I see how he trains.

"He trains as if it's his last day every day, and sometimes you've got to reward that.

"I wanted Bojan to go on because you've got to keep him motivated and hungry and let him know he's got a part to play."

He added that sometimes it's a "juggling act" to manage the team and substitutions, considering the upcoming matches and the need to motivate players.

McInnes had a decision to make between Dragojevic and Chukwuani for the final substitution, ultimately choosing Chukwuani, who scored the fourth goal. He said: "Then, with that last substitution, it was a decision between Tochi and Vanja. It's tough. I can't please everybody.

"I can't please all the players all the time, and I can't please all the supporters who want this player to play, or that player to play a wee bit more."

The manager also spoke about the need for players to earn their game time, saying: "Some people need to earn the right to play and earn their minutes."

Addressing Dragojevic's absence from the game, he acknowledged the support for the player and assured fans that his time will come. "I understand the support for Vanja.

"I love the fact that the fans love him, and we love him as a boy as well.

"His time will come."