ABERDEEN were dealt another blow yesterday when Scotland international

striker Scott Booth was ruled out for a further six weeks. The striker,

injured since he scored the goal which earned the Scots a draw against

Russia last month, has been ordered to take a complete rest after

several abortive comeback attempts.

Now, the Dons' top scorer could miss the start of the Scottish Cup

campaign which is the only trophy left for the crisis-hit club.

Manager Willie Miller, whose side has slumped amid an unprecedented

run of injuries to his players, admitted: ''Booth has been told to take

a complete break. He has tried and failed to come back on a number of

occasions since the game against Russia.

''This aggravated a groin injury and a specialist, along with our

physiotherapists, advised him to stop training and playing. When he

comes back in the New Year he will be reassessed to decide when he will

be able to resume training.

''It's a real setback for the player as he had been performing so well

for club and country. However, he must learn to handle these sort of

blows.''

Duncan Shearer, injured on Scotland duty in Finland, could test his

recovery in a reserve match next week.

* SHAUN McSkimming is set for his full Motherwell debut -- almost

eight weeks after having signed for the club.

With midfielder Jamie Dolan suspended for the next three matches and

Billy Davies doubtful because of injury, McSkimming, the club's #350,000

record signing, looks set to be handed his first-team chance in the

Boxing Day meeting with Falkirk.