Aberdeen defender Mark Reynolds has called on the experienced European campaigners to lead the way when the Dons try to recover a two-goal deficit against Real Sociedad at Pittodrie tomorrow night.
Spanish side Sociedad hold a 2-0 lead following the first leg of the third qualifying round of the Europa League last week, but supporters have not given up hope of a Dons comeback, and neither has vice-captain Reynolds.
As one of the senior players in the side Reynolds know the experienced players must lead by example against the impressive Spaniards at Pittodrie.
He said: “Players such as Barry Robson and Willo Flood have a lot of experience of this and I am sure they will pass it on.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed doing it in the past too and we are ready to give everything. The next goal is crucial and hopefully we can get it.
“We’ve got a lot of pace in the team and the further we have gone in the competition the more important that has been.
“We’ve got quality in the squad and we are looking forward to another chance to test ourselves against a team held in high esteem and with a pedigree.”
Derek McInnes’s side will be backed by a sold-out home support at Pittodrie tomorrow after the remaining tickets were bought yesterday.
Reynolds is delighted the supporters have backed the team in a crucial game and hopes to reward their faith with a night to remember.
He said: “The support has been massive for us right through this run. They were massive for us last season in important games too and we will need them behind us.
“A 2-0 scoreline is a dangerous one and if we can keep it tight and get an early goal you never know what can happen.
“We will be better prepared for what we are in for, but we have to lift our game. If we can get an early goal it might just unsettle them and get the crowd behind us.”
Sociedad were worthy of their two-goal lead a week ago but Reynold added: “The tie is still alive but we will have to play a lot better.”