McGrath never feared an AZ repeat with bold Dons

NEW Aberdeen signing Jamie McGrath was part of a side humiliated in Europe when Dundee United were crushed 7-0 by AZ Alkmaar last season.

But the Irish international knew there was no chance of the Dons facing a similar hammering after they went two goals down against Swedish champions BK Hacken this week.

McGrath impressed after coming on as a sub in the Europa League play-off round and helped Aberdeen change the game.

Goals from Bojan Miovski and Nicky Devlin completed an excellent comeback for the Dons and put them in the driving seat for next week’s return leg at Pittodrie.

McGrath could even have netted a dramatic winner when he had the ball in the net in injury time, but it was ruled out for offside.

And, although he was part of that United capitulation in the Netherlands last season where they suffered a sevengoal annihilation, McGrath knew history wouldn’t repeat itself in Sweden.

He said: ‘The roof can come in as last season showed but we have a strong dressing room with a lot of big characters. We knew we had to stay in the game and it was only half-time. We could have sat in and kept it to 2-0, but we showed great character to bounce back and get the draw.

‘Getting the first goal, they dropped back more and we gained the advantage. It was an unbelievable finish from Nicky. It is all to play for next week.

‘Games can flip in an instant. That is the quality you are up against. One mistake— you get punished. At this level, you can’t afford to have off nights.

‘It is all-square going to Pittodrie. I am looking forward to it. It will be my home debut. I have only played at Pittodrie as an away player. I know it can be quite intimidating when the fans are on it.

‘I am sure there will be a big crowd. We can use it to our advantage. It is a big prize. We know what is at stake.’

McGrath had been linked with a move to Aberdeen on several occasions in the last few years and admitted that the lure of European football helped persuade him to move to the north east after he was released from Wigan Athletic.

He said: ‘It is massive. Everybody wants to play in Europe because it is the pinnacle along with international football. It is what you dream of — the big nights in different countries against teams with different styles.

‘It is brilliant, you learn so much about how different teams play. It is a big thing.

‘Aberdeen are a massive club as well and that was another major factor in my decision.

‘The goal is to get into the Europa League. We want to test ourselves against the best.’

McGrath now faces a return to former club St Mirren today in a league clash — and he can’t hide the affection he still has for the Paisley side.

He said: ‘I love going back. I only have positive things to say about the club. They treated me so well.

‘They gave me my chance in the UK and I am indebted to them for that. I still speak to a few of the lads. It is brilliant to see them doing so well but we need to go there to try and take the three points. St Mirren are the in-form team and it will be a tricky game.’