The European qualifiers are just around the corner for Aberdeen. They should breeze pass RoPS Rovaniemi, however, that’s almost a formality if Niall McGinn is involved.
The Northern Irishman suffered an injury at the end of last season that looked set to rule him out of the European qualifying campaign. The Evening Express reported he would be out for three months.
The winger is set to return for the Europa League clash. (Photo by Scott Baxter/Getty Images)
He’s well ahead of schedule though and could feature for Derek McInnes’ men against Rovaniemi.
It would be a welcome boost for the Dons.
McGinn has vital European experience for Aberdeen
By this point, Aberdeen know what a Europa League qualifying campaign entails. There’s nobody at the club though that has quite the same level of European experience as McGinn.
McGinn’s a Europa League qualifying regular at this stage. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
He has played in 24 Europa League games throughout his career, and he’s been decent during them too. He’s scored five goals and notched six assists.
McGinn is used to European football, but some of his teammates aren’t as accustomed to it. The likes of Ryan Hedges, Curtis Main, Dean Campbell and Jon Gallagher have never set foot in European competition.
They’ll need guidance on how to cope with the occasion. McGinn is the person best placed to do that. He’s played plenty of European football during his career and his knowledge could be of great use to some Dons players.
The 31-year-old has played at a high level for a while now. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
Adding in you’ll get the usual technical brilliance and end quality from McGinn, Aberdeen are getting a significant advantage over Rovaniemi if the Northern Irishman features.
If he plays to his full capability, even from the bench, this already difficult European tie for Rovaniemi just got harder. McGinn is a game changer for the Dons and his contributions will help Aberdeen into the second round, if he plays.