The Scotsman

Cormack sets sights on Champions League spot

- By ALAN PATTULLO

Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack has set his sights on the Pittodrie club challengin­g for a Champions League place this season.

Ue fa have confirmed that, due to the improve - men tin Scottish clubs’ fortunes in Europe, the runner s-up in this season’ s Premiershi­p will enter the second qualifying stage of the Champions League.

Celtic’s stuttering form of late means teams such as Aberdeen and Hibs can sense an opportunit­y. Derek Mcinnes’ side have finished fourth in their last two seasons.

Aberdeen are currently fourth again and are three points behind secondplac­ed Celtic having played a game more.

Third-placed Hibs are two points behind the current champions, who have two games in hand.

“Maybe for the first time in three years the league is kind of open to that opportunit­y ,” observed C ormack, who officially took over at Pittodrie one year ago today.

“We will go into the transfer window looking at ins and outs.

"January is always a difficult window, but we will look at what we can get to push as hard as we can push, as a club.

“Next year, if you get into the Champions League and get knocked out at the qualifying round stage you go into the third round of qualifying for the Europa League and if you go out of that you have one round to get to the group stages of the Conference [League].

“There is every incentive there for us.

"We’ve got a good squad and a great bunch of lads and if we keep people fit and healthy, we will do okay.”

 ??  ?? 0 Dave Cormack: ‘Every incentive there for us’
0 Dave Cormack: ‘Every incentive there for us’

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