Aberdeen defender Ashton Taylor believes his team’s run to the third qualifying round of last season’s Europa League will ensure there is no complacency from Croatian club HNK Rijeka.
The Dons trained at the spectacular cliff-top Kantrida stadium last night in preparation for their first leg against the Croatian club tonight and Taylor knows the size of the task facing his club.
He said: “It would be a massive result if we can get through and play more ties. European football is tough and although we can do all the talking, we don’t really know what we are facing until we are out there.
“All we can do is prepare the best we can, which we will, and then see what happens.”
The Dons are well aware of the reputation of the Croats but Taylor believes Aberdeen’s performances last season against Dutch club Groningen and Spaniards Real Sociedad will ensure Rijeka are also wary.
He said: “I’m sure Rejika will be looking at our previous games in Europe and will think we’re a decent team.
“We were up against a strong side in Groningen last season and put them out and we are hoping to have a similar run this season.”
Taylor has been at the heart of the Dons two European matches so far in this campaign after watching from the bench following his arrival from Tranmere Rovers a year ago.
The European experience is one he is revelling in and is eager to sample more as the Dons continue to fly the flag for Scottish football.
He said: “I didn’t have much of a part to play in the games last season but I have enjoyed being involved in both matches so far.
“Playing in Europe is important for the club, when I came here I was well aware of the history of Aberdeen.
“We want to do well for the club and if that reflects well on Scottish football then that’s great.
“But we’re thinking about ourselves, it’s about us wanting to do the best we can for Aberdeen.
“It’s great to be involved in and we want to keep it going.”