Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has warned his players they still have work to do if they are to reach the second qualifying round of the Europa League.
The Dons are in the driving seat as they prepare to host Macedonians KF Shkendija at Pittodrie in tomorrow’s second leg after Niall McGinn’s away goal in the 1-1 draw in Skopje last Thursday.
Although pleased his side has a slim advantage, McInnes wants a stronger display at home as the Dons try to secure a second round meeting against Croatian side HNK Rijeka.
The Dons manager said: “It was a decent result for us but we looked a little rusty, especially in the second half and we will have to be better in the second leg.
“They showed what we expected. They are a good team with good technical ability and have some individuals who are capable of causing problems.
“We know nothing has been decided. The tie remains in the balance and we still have work to do if we are to go through.”
Despite being wary of the Macedonians McInnes wants his side to set an early tone against its opponents.
He said: “We started really strongly over there and didn’t let them get going in the game. I want us to do that again at Pittodrie.
“Our intensity dropped in the second half, but that was to be expected in hot conditions and the fact it was our first game of the season. But the players will have benefited from playing a competitive match.
“If last season is anything to go by, we got stronger with each game and I’m hoping that will be the case again.
“We had some decent performances in this competition last season. For a lot of the players it was their first experience of European football so we are better prepared for it.
“We believe in ourselves and while we didn’t get the win we wanted we have taken confidence from the game and we know if we reach a level of performance we will give ourselves a chance to get the positive outcome we want.”
The kick-off time for the Dons’ pre-season trip to Raith Rovers on Sunday has been brought forward to 1pm.