In this edition of RedMatchday, there are interviews with Scott Wright and Cammy Smith

The two boys, both products of the AFC Youth Academy, both from a small north east village and, what's more, they live next door to each other. They both landed up playing on the field at the same time in a European game for the team they support. It's what dreams are made of.

Cammy Smith has been in and around the first team for a little while now, but for Scott Wright getting on the pitch against FK Daugava Riga at Pittodrie a fortnight ago put the cap on an epic summer for the youngster where he represented Scotland Under 17s in the UEFA European Championships too. And if there were any nerves, they didn't show – though it probably helped that his next door neighbour Cammy was already on the pitch.

“Since I was born, Cammy has always been my neighbour in Balmedie. I would say we are good pals. Our two families are really close as well which is nice.

Cammy and Scott “When I signed my professional contract last season we had never actually played together as he is two years older, so we never played for the same school team even although we both went to Balmedie Primary School and then Bridge of Don Academy. We never even played for the same team in the Youth Academy at Aberdeen!”
 

RUSSELL ANDERSON

“The tie was all but done and dusted after the first leg but the manager made it clear that we had to go to Riga and give a professional account of ourselves once more and we did just that, coming through unscathed and with another clean sheet to our name which was as pleasing as anything – well, maybe not for Adam! He took his hat-trick really well and the five goals that he has scored so far this season will do wonders for his confidence.

“I think we can expect a much tougher couple of games against Groningen and so it's important we perform every bit as well on Thursday – another clean sheet would be a huge boost given the importance of away goals in this competition.

“We've all been watching as much of the World Cup as possible and it's obvious from that that Dutch football is as strong as it ever has been so that gives us an indication of the size of the task that we will be facing over these next two games.”

DEREK McINNES

“I felt a lot of our football over the two games was excellent, the boys looked sharp and the way we took our chances in front of goal was especially encouraging as we look forward to the season ahead.

“In order to help us in that area, the club has done some great work in bringing David Goodwillie into the football club. David is a player that both Tony and I worked with as a youngster at Tannadice and there is no question about the quality he can bring to Aberdeen. He's had a difficult couple of seasons but if he can put those behind him and get back to his best, he is going to be a great addition for us. He's desperate to do well for us and we must all give him plenty of encouragement.

“FC Groningen will offer us a very stern test in these two games and we will have to be at the top of our game if we hope to progress.”
 

RedMatchday magazine we be on sale in and around the ground on Thursday and is also available from the Pittodrie Club shop, still priced at £3.

If you cannot get to the game you can buy a copy online by clicking here