Del eyes crack at Euro big boys

DEREK McInnes wants his Aberdeen team to win respect and the chance to take on the big names in this season’s Europa League.

Siroki Brijeg of Bosnia are the first hurdle to negotiate at Pittodrie this evening. And if they get through this round, they could face the likes of AC Milan, Everton, Zenit St Petersburg, Athletic Bilbao, Galatasaray and Marseille.

“There is a lot of respect to be gained here and we want to be among the better clubs in Europe, the teams people instantly know when a draw is made as there is tradition and respect there,” said McInnes.

“We want to get amongst that but we have to deal with a good team first. We hope to do it confidently but there are no guarantees and we have to turn up and deliver. One good performance is not enough – we must deliver in both legs.

“This is top of my priorities as it’s the only competition we are in. We’re not going to win the Europa League but we can win cups domestically and compete in the league, and I want us to compete in Europe.

“Playing a couple of rounds in Europe before being knocked out is not enough. We want to be among the big teams this season. Against Almaty and Maribor, we’ve suffered a hard-luck story and we don’t want to go through that again.

“We have to find a way to win those games and get into the group stages but first of all we have to negotiate this tie. I want to do better than we have done in previous years.

“Like any cup competition you play better teams as you go along and whoever wins this tie will face a tougher opponent but I just want to us to mix it with the best and there are plenty of them in this competition.

“I expect us to go through but we have to play well and they won’t give us the tie. I can understand the fans want to get through the rounds and expect it but that’s where we are as a club now.”