Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes believes there is still a reasonable chance the Dons could be heading to Kazakhstan rather than Bosnia this month.
The Dons will face either NK Siroki Brijeg or Ordabasy in the Europa League’s second qualifying round with the first leg scheduled to take place at Pittodrie a week on Thursday.
Bosnian side NK Siroki take a 2-0 advantage to Kazakhstan for the return leg on Thursday but McInnes believes both teams are capable of troubling the Dons.
He said: “I watched the first leg on a stream.
“Prior to Thursday’s game, on the footage we had watched there was a general feeling among the staff that Ordabasy would maybe be slight favourites going into the game.
“I thought the Bosnians were excellent on the night. The quality of some of their play was very good. They are in the driving seat but I still don’t think the tie is over.
“Regardless, both teams look very capable.
“We have got the second leg to watch before we know who we are playing and what is important for us is making sure we are ready.”
The Dons defeated St Johnstone 3-0 at McDiarmid Park in their first pre-season friendly on Saturday and they will face Arbroath at Gayfield on Thursday in their final match before starting their Europa League campaign.
Shaun Maloney could make his first appearance in an Aberdeen strip against the Red Lichties, with the Dons close to concluding a deal for the 34-year-old.
He would become Aberdeen’s fourth signing of the summer transfer window following the arrival of Greg Stewart, Greg Tansey and Ryan Christie, while the Dons remain very keen to bring Preston North End forward Stevie May back to Scotland.
McInnes added: “In previous years, we haven’t really had to concern ourselves too much about new players coming in.
“We have got the added complication of building that understanding this year.
“My biggest concern is working on our fitness and sharpness but also the understanding between the players in order to get us through the first few rounds.
“The two teams we could face are very good, so we have to make sure we are ready.”
