Dons still targeting Old Firm

Defiant Derek McInnes insists Aberdeen can still have big-spending Celtic and Rangers looking over their shoulders this season.

The Dons have seen a big summer turnover ahead of their opening Euro outing against Finnish outfit RoPS on Thursday night, with 10 players out and seven in.

But despite finishing outside the top three for the first time in his six seasons at the club, Del is convinced they’re still on an upward curve.

McInnes said: “I’ve lots more to do here. I can still get a team on the pitch that can challenge.

“It’s a big year for Celtic and Rangers and, if there’s pressure on those sides to spend, they can sometimes leave the others behind.

“But they can only play 11 and, on any given day, we can be competitive with any team. My aim is still winning cups, qualifying for Europe and being competitive in the league.

“There’s improvement in us still. The fact we’ve signed so many new players could invigorate everyone again.”

Dons went out at the first hurdle in Europe last season, despite giving bigspending English entrants Burnley a major scare.

But with their opponents this week third bottom of the Finnish League, and the winner to face Fola Esch of Luxembourg or Georgians Chikhura Sachkhere in the next round, progress is in McInnes’ sights.

He said: “We’ve been close on a couple of occasions. Getting to the groups would be a game changer financially.

“But I’ve been impressed by RoPS. They will get respect from us – they look a capable team, technical in the right positions and aggressive. We’ve got a game on our hands.”