SAM UP FOR EURO DRIVE
SAM VOKES is confident his away goal will start a glory run in the Europa League for Burnley.
The Welsh striker came off the bench to get the leveller in the 1-1 draw at Aberdeen and his side are favourites to settle the tie in the second leg at Turf Moor on Thursday.
Vokes said: “It was good we got something out of the game to repay the fans so it was a great night for them. There’s been a buzz around the town since the day we qualified for Europe.
“The lads wanted to be part of a journey in the Europa League and hopefully this is the start of a run. But it will be another tough night next Thursday and Aberdeen will have hope coming down.
Proper
“Most of us haven’t played European club football and we want to stay in the competition. I haven’t followed Scottish football massively but I know Aberdeen had a great season last season so we knew it would be tough.
“It felt like a proper cup tie and it was a great atmosphere from both sets of fans.”
It was Burnley’s first European tie in 51 years and Vokes netted their first goal since Brian Miller’s strike against Eintracht Frankfurt in 1967.
Vokes added: “As a striker you come off the bench, you want to have an impact and at 1-0 down it was a chance to put my stamp on the game, so it was nice to get the goal.
“It was a snap shot and great to see it hit the back of the net.
“Watching from the bench, I could see we were getting into some great positions with good balls into the box and that was against a tough team to break down.
“Aberdeen sat back and did well but for us it was important to get the breakthrough and that away goal could be crucial.
“The atmosphere at Turf Moor will be similar to Pittodrie – the stadium gets rocking for evening games and Aberdeen will bring a few fans down. It will be a good occasion.”
Third-choice keeper Anders Lindegaard had to play, with Tom Heaton injured and fellow England international Nick Pope having to come off with a shoulder injury.
“I’ve had a rough couple of years, for various reasons, and I came back on probably not the busiest of nights for a goalkeeper but I’m proud to be playing back at the highest level,” said the Danish international.
“It can be difficult when you are not involved but I owe more than people can understand to Burnley Football Club and Sean Dyche and the management team.”