Aberdeen’s summer signing Graeme Shinnie was an armchair supporter watching his team’s run to the last 32 of the Uefa Cup in season 2007-08, now he wants to create his own legacy of success in European football.
The 4-0 victory against Copenhagen in December 2007 and the 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich in February 2008 are matches which bring a smile to the 23-year-old’s face.
Memories of great nights at a packed Pittodrie. On Thursday night, Aberdonian Shinnie and his team-mates will attempt to overturn a 2-1 deficit against Kazakhs Kairat Almaty to secure their place in the fourth and final qualifying round of the Europa League.
The group stages of the competition are just three games away but all Shinnie’s focus is on ensuring the supporters have another night to savour and he said: “Thursday could be a special night. The away goal has given us something to go on. We know we can do it with a full Pittodrie behind us.
“I know all about the big European nights at Pittodrie but it’s something I’ve never experienced for myself. I’ve got family and friends who have, though, and I have enjoyed the games we’ve had so far.
“I remember the Copenhagen and Bayern Munich games. I wasn’t at them but I watched and saw the amazing crowds and the atmosphere. Hopefully, it will be like that next week. It’s up to us because we know the supporters will be right behind us.
“The spirit and belief is in the squad. We just need to prepare right and it will be down to what happens on the night. We are behind in the tie but it’s up to us to get the goals we need.”
Kairat were outstanding in the opening stages of Thursday’s match at the Central Stadium with the pace and movement of their attacking players causing chaos in the Aberdeen defence as they quickly established a 2-0 lead with goals from Mikhail Bakaev and a stunning second from Bauyrzhan Islamkhan.
But these Dons are nothing if not resilient and hauled themselves into contention with a second-half goal from Kenny McLean.
Lessons learned by the players
Shinnie recognised his side’s failings early in the game but is convinced the tie can be won, with a 1-0 victory enough for Aberdeen thanks to the crucial away goal.
He said: “The tie is still in the balance. The away goal gives us a great chance going into the second leg.
“Kairat are a good team. They started really well but we didn’t start that great and we put ourselves in a difficult position.”
The squad eventually returned home at 6.30am yesterday after a 10-hour return journey with a refuelling stop in Turkey with tomorrow’s Premiership opener against Dundee United at Tannadice fast approaching.
It is Kairat’s turn to do the long miles next week but Shinnie refused to use the journey as an excuse. He said: “I don’t think it had anything to do with the way we started. The preparation was good, everything was spot on.
“Once we got to grips with them we were much more in the game and Kenny’s goal was crucial.”