GRAEME SHINNIE believes beating Burnley would set Aberdeen up perfectly for Sunday’s visit of Rangers. The Dons head to Turf Moor on Thursday for the second leg of their Europa League qualifier with the tie finely poised at 1-1. Shinnie wants Euro win to set Dons up for Prem opener against RangersPA:Press Association Three days later, Steven Gerrard’s men roll up at Pittodrie for the Premiership curtain-raiser. And Shinnie reckons Aberdeen will be on a huge high if they triumph in the Battle of Britain. He said: “It would be absolutely massive if we go could go through. And we all have the belief we can. “It’d be a massive achievement and one that would set us up nicely for the season. Shinnie battles with Westwood during first leg clash at PittodrieScottish News and Sport “But we couldn’t rest on our laurels because we have a huge game with Rangers a few days later. “And after that we would have the next game of the Europa League. At a club like Aberdeen, the big games always come thick and fast.” The Dons’ physical approach really unsettled Burnley in the first leg and skipper Shinnie is predicting another bruising encounter. He added: “I think you need to unsettle them. You just have to look at the physique of their players. “They’ve got some big lads and you don’t want to roll over to them as they will just trample over you. “We did well, fighting back and putting the game to them. It’s something we need to do again and we need to be at the top of our game to get a result. “There is always a belief we can compete. We are not shying away because they’re a Premier League team. It was pretty even last week and this time we hope to come out on top. Dyche welcomes Aberdeen to Turf Moor with the tie poised at 1-1Getty Images - Getty “It is about trying to put them under as much pressure as we can. We showed we can pressure them into making mistakes. “The Scottish league is more high tempo and pressing than the English top flight. “Maybe the quality is not as good but the effort definitely is.” Aberdeen pipped Rangers to the runners-up spot last term and Shinnie has no intention of giving it up easily this time around. NEVILLE IN DOUBT Adam Rooney says Man Utd legend Gary Nevillie sold him on move to Salford City The midfielder is desperate to put down an early marker and improve on a rotten recent record of losing three and drawing one of their last four meetings with the Ibrox men. Shinnie said: “We finished second last year, so again it’s where people want to be. “Rangers probably have ambitions to challenge for the title and that is understandable. McInnes’ men face Rangers three days after Euro clashGetty Images - Getty “But we are going to fight as much as we can to stay as close to the top as possible and try to finish second again. The first game is always important as you’ve got new people coming in and new players at both teams. “It’s sort of a look at what both teams are bringing. “There’s no better way to start the season than an Aberdeen v Rangers game to get a foothold for the rest of the season. related stories FORST CHOICE Ex-Celtic No1 Forster wanted by Burnley as Pope faces SIX months out ROAD TO HAMPDEN Betfred Cup last 16 draw in full as clubs discover fate NEVILLE IN DOUBT Adam Rooney says Man Utd legend Gary Neville sold him on move to Salford DON WELL Burnley star Jack Cork says Dons atmosphere was better than any Premier League tie ‘In a rush’ Gerrard wants TWO signings before Aberdeen clash as he’s quizzed on Lafferty On Gaard I watched Laudrup and Erik Bo so I knew Aberdeen would be tough, says Lindegaard “Every game you play, you want to put a marker down. “Last year we didn’t have a great record against the Old Firm, which was disappointing. “We want to change that and we want to show we are up for the fight again. “It’s early doors in the season, but you want to get off to the best possible start. “Leading up to Christmas time, it’s all about winning and trying to put points on the board. “After that, you’re into the business end of the season and then you can see where you are.” Keep up to date with ALL the latest news, transfers and goals from Scottish football plus fixtures, results and live match commentary
Source: Scottish Sun, News
Source: Scottish Sun, News
