Lewis Ferguson has reflected on his last European outing with Aberdeen, setting his sights on a big target for the Dons’ forthcoming Europa League campaign.
The Aberdeen starlet had a moment to remember against Burnley in the second round of qualifying last year. He scored a brilliant overhead kick at Turf Moor, but ultimately it wasn’t enough, as Derek McInnes’ men bowed out to the English side.
The 19-year-old has his sights on something more this time around.
He told the Daily Record: “The games last year made me hungry for more. We only had two ties but everyone remembers both legs against Burnley. We went out, which was disappointing. But once you play in games like that you want to experience more.
“When I scored, I didn’t actually see the ball hit the back of the net because I was obviously facing the other way. It was class.
“Ultimately, we still lost the tie at Burnley and went out. It was some experience but after Turf Moor, that was it. We want to be involved at that stage so hopefully we can go further this time.
“We’ll try to go all the way to the group stage, which will be tough. But there’s no reason why we can’t do it. Just seeing the draws in midweek for the Europa League was exciting.”
Ferguson has the right ambition
It’ll be an easier journey to get to the third round at least for Ferguson and Aberdeen. They’ll face RoPs of Finland, before potential clashes against Fola Esch of Luxembourg or Georgia’s Chikura Sachkhere in the second qualifying round.
The Dons are superior to their opponents for these first two rounds of fixtures and the third qualifying round should be a minimum.
Is the group stage realistic? It’s probably a little ambitious, but the target should be set. There’s no point doing anything if you aren’t going to push yourself to the limit.
It’d be great for everyone in Scottish football if the Dons could reach these European group stages.