QARABAG DEFEAT NOT A DISASTER FOR DONS

ABERDEEN have had a tough week. It was a hugely

disappointing result at Raith Rovers when they were knocked out of the Premier Sports Cup.

But the loss in Azerbaijan against Qarabag in the first leg of their Europa Conference League play-off is not a disaster by any stretch of the imagination.

It wasn’t without its challenges: a long way to travel, the heat, a poor pitch and injuries. A lot of things went against Aberdeen but they’ve managed to come away with the tie in the balance.

They have a great opportunity to do the job at Pittodrie and qualify for the group stage, albeit in the third tier of European football.

For St Johnstone, Callum Davidson will have only some disappointments after their draw against LASK. They missed a great chance to go 2-0 up. When Saints go in front, they are normally difficult to break down.

But he will be thrilled with everything else and how they imposed themselves. LASK are not Galatasaray and, if they bring a good level of performance at McDiarmid Park on Thursday, Saints can reach the group stage.