Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Shinnie shines in Dons victory
ABERDEEN manager Derek McInnes hailed Graeme Shinnie after his skipper gave them a Europa League advantage with a brilliant winner against Apollon Limassol.
The midfielder was equally effective in both halves of the park, breaking up attacks and having an effect as the Dons pressed for long periods. And he earned the Dons a 2-1 first-leg lead in the third qualifying round when he swerved a 25-yard strike into the top corner with 12 minutes left.
Ryan Christie headed home an early opener but Apollon levelled around the hour mark through Brazilian full-back Jander after their best spell of the game.
Esteban Sachetti was then sent off for the visitors and Shinnie made Aberdeen’s late pressure count in front of a sell-out 20,085 crowd at Pittodrie.
McInnes said: “Obviously we need somebody to step up and get that winning goal and what a strike from Shinnie.
“There could not be any more love for Graeme Shinnie from our supporters. He plays the game exactly how suppor ters want their players to play.
“But when he produces that quality as well, it shows you exactly what he is.
“It meant so much to get that result. It’s half-time and we have got to go there and show the confidence to get the result.”
The Dons were without main goalscorer Adam Rooney due to a hamstring strain but the Irishman could be on the flight to Cyprus.
“He’s got a chance,” McInnes said. “The assessment from the scan was at worst week to 10 days so we are hoping it heals pretty quickly. We obviously don’t want to take any risks with tears in the thigh. I would say he is 50-50 to make the flight and, hopefully, be involved.”