Wright will be key to Dons’ Euro progress

McInnes to unleash young striker against Limassol

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes is ready to unleash midfielder Scott Wright as the Dons try to make the play-off round of the Europa League.

The midfielder scored a hat-trick for the club in his first start for the first team in the final league game of last season, a 6-0 rout of Partick Thistle.

Wright’s contribution so far this month has been tempered by a hamstring injury suffered while on international duty with Scotland’s under-20 side in the Toulon Tournament in May and June.

The injury has delayed Wright’s pre-season training but McInnes was impressed by the midfielder’s display in Sunday’s friendly win at Brechin City and is backing the teenager, who turns 20 next month, to play a big role this term.

The Aberdeen manager said: “Scott overcame a hurdle last week by playing in a training game and although he was on the bench for the home leg against Siroki he had only had a day’s training at that point.

“He was still not quite right with his hamstring injury, but he has been bouncing in training and it was important to get him 90 minutes on Sunday.

“He is going to be a big player for us as he brings speed to our attack.

“He can play equally well off both sides of the pitch and his final ball is getting better as is his decision-making. He is certainly one we want to have a big impact this season.”

Wright is in the squad for tomorrow’s Europa League third qualifying round first leg against Apollon Limassol and McInnes has been impressed by what he has seen of the Cypriot club.

The Dons manager knows Limassol represent a step up in class from Siroki Brijeg, the Dons’ opponents in the previous round, but is confident his side has enough quality to progress to the play-off round.

McInnes had scouts in Moldova on Thursday to run the rule over Apollon in their 2-1 win against Zaria Balti which secured a 5-1 aggregate victory.

Alex and Andre Schembri scored two goals each in the two legs with Joao Pedro also on the scoresheet for Sofronis Avgousti’s side.

He said: “They were very impressive but they were not tested. Having said that, their approach play and intensity was impressive.

“They were clearly the better side. They have two overlapping full backs, bright movement ahead of the play, two controllers in central midfield and two good centre halves.

“As we go through the rounds the quality increases, but I would like to think they are also looking at us and our second-half display last week and seeing why we were the second best team in Scotland last season.

“It will be a tough game for us but also a tough one for them, and we’re more ready for it now.”

Scott is going to be a big player for us as he brings speed to our attack. DEREK MCINNES

Striker Scott Wright.