Finnish opponents for Aberdeen

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes insists he will do his homework to ensure his players are ready for their Finnish test in the Europa League.

The Dons have been paired with RoPS Rovaniemi in what will be a first competitive match against a team from Finland for the club.

It promises to be a special one too with Rovaniemi doubling as the capital of Lapland, home of Santa Claus.

The first leg is scheduled to take place at Pittodrie on Thursday July 11 with the second leg scheduled for Thursday, July 18 although Uefa has yet to confirm the match schedule.

McInnes watched a live stream of his first qualifying round opponents as they won 2-1 at FC Lahti and, while concerned the Finnish side will be midway through their domestic campaign when they face his team, the Aberdeen manager believes his players will be well versed on what to expect.

He said: “When you looked at the group of teams you could have got then most of them were in their season already.

“We have been watching a stream of their game this afternoon and there will be other opportunities to see them in action.

“We will get more games online and will get over to see them. I think we will be able to see them three or four times before we face them.

“That is one of the benefits from facing a team who are midway through their season, although I would always want to play someone who is at the same stage as us.”

Rangers could face a daunting trip to Kosovo.

Steven Gerrard’s side have landed either FC Prishtina, who finished second in the Kosovo Superliga last term, or St Joseph’s of Gibraltar in the first qualifying round.

Kilmarnock, back for their first European clash since 2002, have been paired with Connah’s Quay Nomads, beaten finalists in last season’s Irn-Bru Cup.