Dante Polvara’s contract with Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen is set to expire in four months time, but the American midfielder is putting his present over his future at this time.

Polvara and his Aberdeen teammates are preparing for their Scottish Cup defense on Saturday against second-tier side Raith Rovers. The reigning cup winners have failed to win their last four league matches and seven overall in all competitions.

Polvara, 25, has scored two goals in 26 appearances for the club and is on pace to setting a new career-high in appearances. Although his long-term future remains unknown, Polvara admitted he is focused on helping Aberdeen turn things around immediately.

“That’s a whole other situation that I’m dealing with right now, with my agent and the club,” Polvara said in an interview, transcribed by the Daily Record. “It’s not really something I can talk about at this moment. There are bigger problems right now, it’s bigger than me. So let’s see.”

Manager Jimmy Thelin has been fired during the club’s winless run, opening the door for Peter Leven to step in until the club fills the role permanently. Leven has also found it tough to pick up results, watching as Aberdeen lost back-to-back matches against Rangers.

Despite Aberdeen going the last four matches without finding the back of the net, Polvara has backed Leven’s efforts

“Pete has been great and it is definitely not down to him,” Polvara said after the most recent 2-0 loss to Rangers. “Our few sessions with him have been great and positive so it is disappointing we weren’t able to transmit that onto the field today. I would like to think that with a full week we can find a way to get some confidence going into this game [Raith Rovers in Scottish Cup play].

“We are at home and have to play with our chests out,” he added. “We can’t forget the effort and fight as they will bring plenty of that I’m sure.”

Raith Rovers currently sit sixth in the Scottish Championship, but are riding a better run of form than Aberdeen with two wins out of their past six matches. Should the Dons suffer defeat at Pittodrie, it will be a major upset in the competition, especially given the fact that Aberdeen ran the table last May.

Polvara has not only challenged himself, but has also challenged his teammates to be up for the fight.

“It is a massive game for us to prove that we deserve to be here, to wear this shirt and badge and play for the club,” he said. “There have been times where people can really show what they can do although it has maybe faded a little bit. We have to help one another and put in a serious team performance.”