COSGROVE VOWS TO SHINE ALL SEASON LONG

SAM COSGROVE warmed the hearts of Aberdeen fans with a winter hot streak that saw him score 15 times in 14 matches between December and February last season. But the Dons striker (right), who ended up with 21 goals in 44 appearances overall, is determined to extend that scintillating form throughout the course of the new campaign. And, having already scored two goals in three Europa League games, he’s made the perfect start. ‘I scored a lot of goals last season,’ said the 22-year-old. ‘I felt I did well in the second half of the season and now I want to show that consistency throughout. If I do that, score goals and help the team, I’ll be happy. ‘I’m really enjoying the European games, especially now I’m scoring. All the players are just eager to keep it going. I don’t think we’ve hit the heights — as a team or personally — and that’s exciting because we know there’s more to come.’ Cosgrove’s penalty equaliser against Chikhura Sachkhere in last week’s 1-1 draw in Georgia leaves the Dons favourites to progress from tomorrow night’s return leg. In the first round, they dominated RoPS Rovaniemi at home but lost a late goal in a 2-1 win before toiling to a victory by the same scoreline in Finland. ‘It was a bit disappointing to lose the late goal (at Pittodrie) but we played well and look how many chances we created and goals we could have got,’ said Cosgrove. ‘Now we’ll be another week fitter and looking to put on an even better performance (against Chikhura). We have the quality to cause them problems and score goals. ‘We’ve put ourselves in a good position, but the onus will be on us to win at Pittodrie. We won’t be looking to get through on away goals.’ Cosgrove was booked nine times last season and sent off once. On his debut two seasons ago, against Celtic, he was sent off for a lunge on Scott Brown. Now he has learned what is acceptable in Scottish football ahead of Sunday’s Premiership opener with Hearts. ‘Down in the lower leagues in England, it was more rough and tumble,’ said the ex-Carlisle player. ‘I definitely got away with more than I do in Scotland. I have to learn to be a bit cleverer and cuter.’