Jack MacKenzie insists clever Aberdeen FC game plan caught Rangers cold as goal hero puts Euro rivals on notice

Jack MacKenzie insists Aberdeen believe they’re a match for the top sides after dumping Rangers – a week after pushing their Europa League Final conquerors Eintracht Frankfurt all the way.

And the Dons goal hero hailed captain courageous Graeme Shinnie for being the driving force behind the new-found confidence coursing through Pittodrie. It’s now three wins on the spin for Aberdeen off the back of the brave 2-1 defeat in Germany as Barry Robson’s side gear up for HJK Helsinki in Europe this Thursday.

And MacKenzie reckons the game plan worked a treat against a Rangers side that ran out of ideas. He said: “The way we set up caught them out. We played well, stuck to our game plan and coped well with it. We have belief now. Eintracht and Rangers are two top teams who met in a European final two seasons ago, so that shows the level we are at.

"The two performances were a high standard, we’re really happy with where we are. I’ve come here many times and lost heavily. So to come away with a convincing win is really pleasing.”

MacKenzie’s late strike to seal the points doubled his Dons career goal tally. But there’s no danger of the 23-year-old getting carried away with Helsinki next up on Thursday. He said: “It doesn’t get much better!

"I’m buzzing. It’s really important we enjoy it but don’t become too complacent because it’s a big game ahead.”