BONUS PRIZE

From Back Page Santana cancelled out Ryan Christie’s early headed opener.

The tough tackling Cypriots were reduced to 10 men after Argentinian Esteban Sachetti was shown a second yellow card for punching Christie.

But Shinnie, handed the captaincy after Ryan Jack’s move to Rangers, was the hero as they look to reach the play-off round at the fourth attempt under McInnes.

The Dons boss said: “The goal from Graeme was a deserved winner and what a strike it was.

“There could not be any more love from our fans for him. He showed the quality he has and we take that lead with us.

“It’s only half-time but we are confident we can go over there and get the desired result.

“It will be tricky. They are a very good side and we have to respect their qualities but we have to get the balance right between attacking and defending in Cyprus.

“It was a game full of intensity. We saw the best of my team in the opening half. We were excellent.

“We saw what we are threatening to be this season with our intensity of play. We stopped a very good team from playing.

“We were fantastic and deservedly 1-0 up with a goal of quality from Ryan. He says he’s not great in the air but it was similar to his goal last season at Ibrox.

“Apollon were better in the second half. We were going to change things and I kicked myself we never changed it quicker with the substitutions.

“You can pick the bones out of their goal but the quality of the cross was magnificent and the desire from Jander was great. It was difficult to stop that.”

Apollon proved a physical side and McInnes admitted Sachetti had to go. Manager Sofronis Avgousti was also sent to the stand for racing onto the pitch to celebrate their equaliser.

The Dons boss added: “It was a yellow card for Sachetti’s first challenge. It was the right decision and he was deservedly sent off later.”

Adam Rooney was ruled out with a hamstring injury picked up in training and he has a 50-50 chance of making the return.