Joe Harper has warned Aberdeen 's under-performing stars that you are never too good to go down.
Aberdeen were confirmed to finish in the bottom six for the first time since 2013 after defeat to Ross County at Pittodrie last Saturday.
But the former Pittodrie goal hero insists that getting a victory on the board as quick as possible should all but seal Premiership survival.
The north east club sit six points ahead of St Johnstone, who currently occupy the relegation playoff spot.
And with the Dons having a proud history of never having been relegated from the top-flight, Harper wants to kill any talk of Jim Goodwin's men being on the wrong side of history.
"If the Reds go into the bottom six fixtures thinking ‘we are Aberdeen, we are too good to go down’ that is a very dangerous attitude," said Harper in his Press and Journal column.
"Aberdeen’s first priority when the post-split games begin next weekend is to kill off that very slim chance quickly.
"I’m confident Aberdeen will get the results needed to extinguish any threat of the relegation play-offs.
"It won’t be handed to them on a plate though as St Johnstone will be fighting for their lives.
"Aberdeen have to match that and give it absolutely everything they have.
"When the final whistle sounds at the end of the season every Reds’ player must go into the summer in the knowledge they left nothing on the park."
Goodwin has picked up just one win from seven games so far since succeeding Stephen Glass in February as he attempts to stamp his own authority on the misfiring reds.
Harper added: "I am sure manager (Jim) Goodwin will have them fully focused on getting the results needed.
"Two wins would also move them into a strong position to finish the season in seventh position.
"Finishing seventh would still constitute a failed season – but unfortunately it is the best they can get now."
