Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes will pile the pressure on Europa League opponents Apollon Limassol in Cyprus this week after insisting his side will go for an away goal in Larnaca.
The Dons lead 2-1 from the first leg at Pittodrie as they try to secure a place in the play-off stages of the Europa League for the first time under McInnes.
He said: “Apollon are a very good side and we have to get the balance right between attacking and defending. We’re going to Cyprus looking to score a goal.
“No two games are the same but we still have to try to negate the qualities of Apollon Limassol.
“It will be a different environment due to the temperature and it will be a more technical game in Cyprus.
“But whatever way we play the game we are confident we can get a result.”
The tie is delicately poised after an incident-packed first leg at Pittodrie where the Dons led early through Ryan Christie’s header before Jander Santana equalised for Limassol.
Captain Graeme Shinnie’s 25-yard winner has given the Dons a valuable lead, although McInnes is frustrated the advantage is not greater. He said: “There were three quality goals and we were lucky to get two of them. Now the challenge is to take it on and secure our place in the play-off round.
“We deserved to win, perhaps by another goal, but I’ll take 2-1 and if we can add to the performance in Cyprus I’ll be happy.
“When we play with intensity we’re a formidable team. Apollon knew they were in a game. I’ve watched half a dozen of their games and we rattled them with our performance. It was something they were not used to facing.”
The Dons manager has been greatly encouraged by the strong start to the season and believes the European campaign augurs well.
He said: “There was a lot of concern about some of the good players who had left the club but the ones who have come in deserve credit for settling quickly.
“We stepped up again from last week and the team is getting better and better.
“I’m really pleased with what we’re going to get this season from our team.”
• The Dons have been drawn away to Hamilton Accies in the second round of the Betfred Cup.
The match will be played on August 8 or 9 and Mc-Innes said: “We’d have preferred to be at home but you have to win tough games if you’re going to do well in a cup.”