Boss Derek McInnes is hoping for a late surge from Aberdeen fans for Betfred Cup semi-final tickets after the Dons had their allocation reduced due to poor sales.

The Pittodrie club were given 20,300 tickets by the Scottish Professional Football League for the last-four game against Rangers at Hampden Park on Sunday, October 28 which has a 4.30pm kick-off .

However, with the Red Army taking up just over 9,000 tickets so far, the Dons’ allocation has been cut to less than 15,000, with some fans who already have tickets having to be reallocated within the stadium.

Speaking on RedTV ahead of the Ladbrokes Premiership clash with Hearts at Tynecastle on Saturday, McInnes said: “All I’m hoping for is that we can sell as many as we can.

“There is still a long way to go. Obviously it is an Aberdeen holiday at the minute and supporters still have an opportunity to get their tickets and come along.

“Once the allocation was made then maybe people thought they had plenty of time to get them and we are hoping that is the case.

“There is no doubt that we would like as many supporters there as possible.

“I don’t get involved in what sections are being sold or whatever. I am just hoping there is a strong Aberdeen support there.

“From my point of view it can help the team. We want as many there getting behind the team as possible and I’m sure the players would be exactly the same, but once the game comes round it is all about the game.

“There seems to be more talk about this game than any other game I can remember, about tickets, kick-off times and logistics.

“Once the game comes round it is a big game for the club and hopefully we can be talking about the football performance rather than anything else.”

Aberdeen released a statement on their official website which read: “With just over a week to go until our Betfred Cup semi-final against Rangers at Hampden Park just over 9,000 tickets have been sold to the Red Army.

“Despite strong initial sales, particularly from our supporters’ clubs, overall ticket sales for the match have fallen short of the demand expected.

“Given current sales figures, with the SPFL recording less than 100 being sold by Aberdeen FC today, the SPFL have now taken back certain sections of the east stand.

“In return, the SPFL will issue the club with an additional allocation of seats in the south stand upper and lower tickets.

“This will necessitate the relocation of some supporters to alternative seats and the club will be in touch with any affected fans to finalise arrangements.

“With 5,500 tickets still available for our supporters, and access to a further allocation if we demonstrate additional demand in the next few days, the focus now quickly turns to building on the tickets that have been sold to fulfil the remainder of our allocation and ensure that the team walk out to a wall of noise from Dons supporters in attendance.”