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Champions League nights at Pittodrie is the ultimate goal for Niall McGinn

Niall McGinn celebrates scoring in a Europa League qualifier in Macedonia last year.
Niall McGinn celebrates scoring in a Europa League qualifier in Macedonia last year.

Niall McGinn admitted he is already getting goosebumps at the prospect of the spine-tingling Champions League anthem being played at Pittodrie next season.

The Dons have already booked a place in next season’s Europa League after Wednesday’s 1-1 draw between St Johnstone and Ross County guaranteed them a top three finish. But McGinn would love to upgrade his side’s European adventure to the top tier Champions League by pipping his former club Celtic to the title.

The thought of Champions League football at Aberdeen is a tantalising thought for the Northern Ireland international.

He said: “It is any young boy’s dream.

“It would be unbelievable if I get that opportunity and I’m sure all of the lads would want to sample that as well.

“These are exciting times for the club.

“I was never involved in the Champions League nights at Celtic. When I had just moved there they played Arsenal in a qualifier but I was left out of the squad and didn’t travel.

“It would be great for the club.

“Even before I moved here, I had heard about the European nights they had at Pittodrie in the past.

“To have that back in Aberdeen would be incredible.”

After today’s match against Motherwell, McGinn will join up with the Northern Ireland squad for the friendlies against Wales and Slovenia as they gear up for this summer’s European championship finals in France.

McGinn has the European Championships to look forward to this summer
McGinn has the European Championships to look forward to this summer

McGinn is understandably excited about what lies ahead of him as he chases success for club and country.

The 28-year-old added: “It is the first time Northern Ireland are going to a major tournament for 30 years.

“I wasn’t even born the last time they made it. It has been great to be part of that journey.

“I have been able to put that on the backburner over the past couple of months and concentrate on my club football. We have been doing well and we are close to Celtic, which is great.

“The next few months could be an exciting time for me. I want to go to the Euros and impress as much as possible.

“At club level, hopefully we can keep ticking off these wins and be right up there come the end of the season.”