Aberdeen have been handed a big boost ahead of their Europa League first round qualifier. Experienced winger Niall McGinn is likely to be fit for the second leg of the tie.
The Dons take on RoPS of Finland in the first round of qualifiers. Pittodrie manager Derek McInnes has told the Scottish Sun that he hopes to have McGinn back for the second leg.
A second leg return for McGinn. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
The first qualifier may come too soon for the Northern Irishman according to the report, but the Dons boss is hopeful of a second leg return.
He told the Scottish Sun : “Niall is doing well and is probably a week ahead of where we thought he would be.”
McGinn and his Europa League experience are vital
It’s great to have him back from a playing point of view. On his day McGinn can blow teams away with his quick feet and trickery, with a keen eye for goal too making him hard to deal with.
RoPS would struggle with a rusty McGinn. (Photo by Scott Baxter/Getty Images)
If he returns for the second leg, you’d like to think he would make an impact, regardless of whether he’s been out for months.
RoPS aren’t a great side and may even be a gentle introduction back into competitive football for him.
It’s still a vital game though and his experience will be important. He has taken part in five Europa League campaigns. He knows what it takes to compete in European competition.
McGinn has Europa League experience. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Aberdeen should be able to breeze into the third qualifying round. Their first two sets of qualifiers don’t seem too difficult. They may be the perfect opportunity to McGinn to get up and going before the tough fixtures come thick and fast.