Shinnie: I’m right up for this Battle with Clarets
GRAEME SHINNIE knows Burnley fans are gutted at landing a 340-mile trip north of the border for their first European adventure in more than half a century.
But the Aberdeen skipper is licking his lips at the prospect of a Battle of Britain tie against Sean Dyche’s Clarets.
Shinnie said: “Burnley probably wanted to go abroad somewhere. But as soon as the draw was made I was buzzing for it. The Scotland-England aspect probably adds a bit of spice to those on the outside.
“We know what’s in store and what Burnley come with after finishing seventh in the Premier League. You naturally want an easier draw but it’s a game that excites us and if we were able to win it would be a massive achievement.
“If we won then in England they might think Scottish football isn’t so bad after all!
“You want the big games and we’ve got Rangers as well in the first league game of the season. That’s the way we want it.
“A lot of times with the European games you never know if you’re the underdog or not. Apollon Limassol were a prime example of that last season. Nobody knew a lot about them but you could see in the Europa League group stage they were a really good team.”
Shinnie returned to his left-back role in place of Andy Considine against West Brom last week and could face former England winger Aaron Lennon if he plays there again.
He said: “Everyone knows what Lennon possesses. He has quick feet and is lightning over 10 yards so he can get away from people.
“If you give him space and let him get crosses in then Burnley can hurt you.
“You just have to get tight to people and make sure you help your team-mates.”