Maribor star plans to stun Scots again
MARIBOR menace Marcos Tavares insists he can’t wait to stun Scots once more when he faces Aberdeen in the Europa League after netting four goals against Scottish sides.
The Dons face the experienced Slovenians in the third qualifying round after easing past Latvian outfit Ventspils this week.
And Brazilian hitman Tavares, 32, is desperate to torment the Scots again.
In 2010, he netted as Maribor crushed Hibs 3-0 in Slovenia, before scoring a double at Easter Road.
He also netted a famous winner at Parkhead in 2014 to beat Celtic and allow Maribor to qualify into the Champions League Group Stages for the first time.
Tavares said: “It is true we have a very good record against Scottish opposition and I have been very happy to score a few goals, too.
“But we shouldn’t think just because Aberdeen are a Scottish team, we will beat them. Every game is a different story and our success against the Scottish teams mean nothing for this match.”
Meanwhile, new Dons keeper Joe Lewis admits playing for a team at near the top of the table can revitalise his career after years playing for struggling clubs in England.
The former England squad keeper, 28, was the Dons hero in midweek in their Europa League win in Latvia, saving a spot-kick and making another excellent stop late on.
The ex-Peterborough United, Blackpool and Cardiff City player said: “It’s been a good start for me certainly but I can’t get carried away with one good game here or one penalty save there.
“For goalkeepers, it is all about consistency. Any keeper is going to make the odd mistake but it’s about limiting that.
“It will definitely help my game being at a club at the right end of the table. It’s a different game when you are challenging for the league.
“When I was at Blackpool, I felt I had a good season and made loads of saves but I’m hoping at Aberdeen I won’t be quite so busy.
“At Aberdeen, concentration, application and the more mental side of things is going to be an important side to my game. I need to try and stay in the game.
“That’s a side of my play I am looking to work on.”