Barry Robson tips Aberdeen to make Conference League mark after 'sharp' Frankfurt display

Proud Barry Robson praised his battling Aberdeen stars and has backed them to make their mark in the Europa Conference League.

The Dons opened up in the group stage with a narrow 2-1 defeat to heavy favourites Eintracht Frankfurt. Robson reckons his team gave everything and on another could have come away from a famous result in the Deutsche Bank Park and gives them belief as they gear up for HJK and PAOK at home in the next Group G games.

“This gives the players confidence they belong at this level,” Robson beamed. “It’s good, we have shown already in three European games we can compete against good teams. We have a history at Aberdeen in Europe and you feel that. I certainly do and the players do as well. We are respectful of wanting that tradition to be there and carry it on. Tonight was a different kind of performance, it was a more disciplined performance and that’s what you need to do.

“In Europe you need to be tactically good, be disciplined and be switched on because it’s top players who can unlock you quickly. We were sharp on that tonight.”

Robson believes his team showed their quality in Germany and on another night could have taken something. He added: “I’m proud, when you wear that Aberdeen jersey you have to show that mentality, desire, fight and tactical knowhow. “And I thought they did that all in abundance. Eintracht are a terrific team, they won the Europa League not that long ago and have some top players. So credit to them, they worked extremely hard and stuck to the tactical plan.

“I thought in the last ten minutes we might have nicked a draw. It’s frustrating to lose it on a set play, it’s disappointing to come over here and for that to happen. If they undo you with a brilliant bit of play and