Derek McInnes has challenged his Aberdeen players to embrace the challenge of becoming Europa League heroes.
The Dons fly to Macedonia today ahead of tomorrow’s first-round qualifier against KF Shkendija in Skopje.
Aberdeen have enjoyed some memorable European nights over the years but McInnes, whose players will train at the Philip II Arena tonight, hopes his Reds can create their own special memories in this season’s competition.
He said: “It’s part of the attraction of being manager of the club. We know what the club can be.
“The club has had good moments. We just want to put our mark on it while we’re working here.
“We are fortunate to be working for a club where the demand is to do well. It’s expected.
“We can look forward to the campaign ahead with confidence but there are always challenges ahead of us.
“While I’m confident with the squad we’ve got, and I’m confident that we’ve improved the squad, we’ve still got it all to prove.
“Aberdeen has had more history than a lot of clubs. Hopefully, we can create our own history going forward.”
The Dons have warmed up for the crunch Europa League encounter with friendly victories against Brechin City and St Johnstone but McInnes knows a much tougher test awaits in the energy-sapping heat of Skopje.
The Aberdeen manager, however, feels suitably prepared for the match against the Macedonians.
He said: “We’ve have had them watched a lot. Tom O’Neill, our chief Scottish scout, went out and watched them the other night and we’ve also managed to watch their last game.
“They have made one or two signings and we expect one or two changes but once we get the team sheet we don’t expect any real surprises.
“I’m pleased with where we are. You are never really sure until the season is up and running but I take confidence from seeing how the players have worked since they came back.
“We can be quite flexible and we showed that by playing three systems within 90 minutes against St Johnstone but Thursday is a real game and it is important we play with an edge.
“We want to get our first win as quickly as possible and we’ve said time and again we are aware of the importance of this team progressing to the club.”
KF Shkendija have said they have sold 2,500 tickets for the match against Aberdeen.
Uefa yesterday announced that the Philip II Arena will stage the 2017 European Supercup.
The Dons match against Shkendija is being held at the national stadium because the Red and Blacks’ home ground in Tetovo is being renovated.