Aberdeen defender Graeme Shinnie has warned his team-mates it is imperative they maintain their discipline against NK Maribor at Pittodrie tonight.
Maribor proved they aren’t afraid to play in a robust manner after a 0-0 draw with Celtic in a feisty pre-season friendly this month that was overshadowed by left-back Erik Janza spitting on Hoops attacker Leigh Griffiths.
Shinnie says it is essential the Reds don’t lose their composure if the Maribor players attempt to wind up the home players at Pittodrie tonight.
He said: “It is part and parcel of European football.
“You come up against different cultures but we need to focus on our game and not get dragged into any sort of trouble.
“We need to concentrate and make sure we are at the top of our game. It will be a tough match.
“We know they have a good team and have a pedigree but we have been up against tough teams before and won.
“It is a tie we can win.”
This will be the third year in a row the Dons have reached the Europa League’s third qualifying round, where they have tasted defeats to Kairat Almaty and Real Sociedad in recent seasons.
Shinnie felt the Dons should have progressed against Kazakhstan side Kairat last year and hopes they can go one better this time around.
He said: “It was so disappointing that we didn’t get through.
“It was a tough draw last year but I felt we were good enough to progress.
“It was really frustrating and disappointing but now we need to use that.
“The hunger and fire in the belly is there for the boys to get through this round.
“It is then a one-game shootout after that.
“The whole focus, though, is on the Maribor game.”
Maribor have defeated Celtic, Rangers and Hibernian in European competition since 2010 and Shinnie hopes their recent successes against Scottish teams will breed complacency tonight.
He added: “They have had some good results in Scotland, so they will come across here fancying their chances. It is no problem to us.
“We hope they come here thinking they will roll over us because we know that is not going to be the case.
“I am not sure how they feel but I know the confidence is high in our dressing-room and we will be looking to do the business.”
Match focus, Page 54, 55
