Brophy is expecting a tougher afternoon when Alex Dyer's side travel north to Pittodrie to face a Dons team soaring high after four straight wins.

And he is glad he will not be facing up to good friend Scott McKenna by himself.

The striker said: "I know Scotty well, we get on well with him off the pitch. He's probably the most aggressive centre-back in the league.

"He's a good defender, but I'm glad I'll have Nicke beside me this weekend. I'll let him go up for all the headers.

"Aberdeen are a physical team, but I always enjoy playing against them. I'm looking forward to it after our last result.

"The game against United was the first time that Nicke and I have played together this season and it seemed to work. He got two and I got one.

"So the signs are good. Last season we struck up a good partnership before lockdown. I got seven in nine and Nicke got a good few as well. It was a good partnership then and hopefully we can continue that again this weekend at Pittodrie.

"He's a big boy and it helps me. He takes care of the stuff in the air and maybe I help in other areas.

"It's working well at the moment and hopefully that can continue.

"Most strikers like having a partner and I certainly do. It makes it easier up there rather than having to take on two or three big centre-backs by yourself, so having Nicke there has been a massive help for me.

"I think we compliment each other well. Obviously Nicke is big and physical, while I try to get down the sides and get shots away. It's working well so far."