“It was a great occasion.

“The fans were brilliant.

“The sell-out meant it was a great atmosphere.

“The game was good in spells for us. I thought we played really well in the first half. We pressed them well and played some great football. They changed their shape and changed personnel in the second half and we did not start as well as we wanted to but we came back into it. We showed great character and I was just delighted to get the goal at the end.

“We wanted to start on the front foot and put them under pressure as quickly as we could. We wanted to show them what we were all about and we certainly did that.

“Ryan came up with a great header again. He seems to love scoring in Europe. So it was a great start and it set the tone for the game and as I say I thought we were good in the first half. We were on top pressing them as much as we could and when we got the ball we played some nice stuff.

“The second half we were a bit slow and it was disappointing to lose the goal but we had the character to come back so we could take a lead into the second leg.

“It is always difficult going away from home, no matter where you go in Europe and I have experienced that since I have been here. Some of the results that we have had on the road have been very good. We know now what Apollon are all about. We know they are a good side and it will be tough but we know what we can do and we believe that we can score over there.

“We don’t have to. We are in a good position. I have not been in this position before in this round. So it is good to go over there with a lead and I feel we will get opportunities over there so it will make for a good game.

“I said in the last round that it will take a couple of games for us to get into our stride and to get used to each other. But I think on tonight’s evidence the team is clicking quicker than I thought.

“We are building relationships. I am lucky that I still have Kenny beside me and we know each others games. And also Ryan was here last season so it is good to have that in the middle of the park. But the new boys are coming in and forming good partnerships and the squad is building very nicely.

“My goal, it has only taken me three years!!

“It felt beautiful coming off my foot. When I hit it I knew it had a chance of going in. I think it was swerving which took it away from the keeper. It was one of the best feelings I have had here at Pittodrie.”