Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes insists he will have no qualms about putting untested goalkeeper Danny Ward into the firing line in Macedonia on Thursday.
The 22-year-old goalkeeper, who joined the Dons on loan for the season from Liverpool on Friday, made an impressive debut with an assured display in his 45-minute outing against St Johnstone at Brechin City on Sunday.
Ward has set his sights on establishing himself as first-choice shotstopper at Pittodrie and is determined to play his part for the Reds this term.
McInnes was impressed by the 6ft 3in goalkeeper’s confident display which has put him in contention for a starting role against KF Shkendjia in the Europa League first qualifying round first leg.
He said: “Everyone we have signed is looking to play. Paul Quinn and Graeme Shinnie haven’t come here just to be Aberdeen players – they both want to play.
“Danny is also no different. We want competition in all areas of the squad and we have that with Danny adding to the goalkeeping department.
“He hasn’t had a lot of game time but what he has got is good confidence in himself, good presence and he kicks the ball well.
“He has the confidence from the Liverpool manager who has put him on a long-term contract and sees him as one for the future and a potential goalkeeper for them.
“When you get a young goalkeeper like that, who is just short of playing in the Premiership, then it is a good option to come out and get games.
“We are hoping he can come out and show what he is all about.”
When asked if the new goalkeeper was in contention to feature against the Macedonians McInnes said: “I think everyone is in contention for Thursday.
“We’ve not signed a lot of players and we have let more go but the ones we have brought in we feel will really push the players who are already there.
“It is important everyone feels that pressure to perform.”
McInnes has been doing his homework on Shkendija and he has warned his players they face a significant step up in class in comparison to the comfortable first-round tie against Daugava Riga last year when Aberdeen won 8-0 on aggregate.
The Dons manager said: “They have good financial backing there and a good spirit. They also have a big support and a lot is expected from them this season.
“Having watched them you can see they have players who can cause you problems and if we don’t bring a performance then we will put the game at risk.
“We will need to play well in both ties to progress.”