Talking point

Aberdeen stand just 90 minutes away from booking a place in the Europa League playoff round – and what a boost that would be for Scottish football.

Derek McInnes’s Dons will be favourites to progress in Larnaca next week, with former Dundee United attacker Gary Mackay-Steven and ex-Dundee favourite Greg Stewart both having key roles to play in the new-look Dons side.

However, McInnes will guard against any complacency and be desperate to provide the national game with a much-needed confidence boost following early exits by both Rangers and St Johnstone. managed to upset that and getting the early goal settled us. We like to impose ourselves on a game and press as much as we can, and we’ll be trying to do it again.

“We will create chances over there and I believe we have a great opportunity of going through if we are solid.

“We have a lead and we will defend it, but we’ll also try to grab a goal.”

The midfielder’s goal brought the Pittodrie faithful to their feet to hail the captain’s effort and it was a moment to live long in the Aberdonian’s memory.

He said: “I used to sing players’ names when I was younger and it’s brilliant being here and seeing youngsters with Shinnie on the back of their jerseys.

“It’s what football is all about and hopefully I can repay their support.

“Russell Anderson, being the role model he was, was a man I looked up to and it’s the same with Willie Miller and everything he did for the club.

“I’ve got a wonderful relationship with the supporters and when the goal went in it was special to hear the crowd singing my name, it’s what every player wants.”

Supporting the Dons has become a family affair for the Shinnies with the Aberdeen captain’s daughter Penelope already nailing her colours to the mast in supporting her dad’s team.

He said: “My phone has been red hot and a lot of my friends and family were in the crowd.

“My little one, who is two, loves the football. She sings Come on you Reds all day every day, so when the football comes around she is buzzing.”