Graeme Shinnie admits Aberdeen FC European dream is years in waiting as Gothenburg perspective comes to light

It has been years in the making and captain Graeme Shinnie is determined to help Aberdeen carve out a mark in the group stages of European football.

The midfielder was on loan from Wigan last season but there was never any doubt he would make a permanent return to Pittodrie after they sealed third place. It guaranteed them a Europa League play-off, where they take on BK Hacken in the opening leg in the Bravida Arena on Thursday night.

The Reds know coming out on top over the next two legs would put them into the group stages of the Europa League and defeat would see them drop into the same stage of the Europa Conference League. Shinnie had tried on four occasions with the Dons to get to the money-spinning group stages and was beginning to think it would never happen. He said: “It was a massive draw for me. Finishing last season in third and securing group-stage football, it felt like I had to come back and reap the rewards of it.

“When I was here last time it was something I was desperate to do but it was very difficult because back then there were four qualifiers. It is an exciting challenge for everyone and one that I am looking forward to.”

It is fitting that the Dons make their European return in Gothenburg. The same Swedish city where the club had their crowning glory 40 years ago. Alex Ferguson’s side lifted the European Cup Winners’ Cup against Real Madrid and now they will be looking for glory this week. Proud Shinnie said: “This year we celebrated Gothenburg and a lot of people could fully appreciate what they did then.

“I was chatting to a young lad the other day and he didn’t know too much about it. It’s only when you say Real Madrid haven’t lost a European final since that it puts it into perspective for the