Kevin Nisbet was in optimistic mood as the Dons prepare to take on Sparta Prague on Thursday evening, believing the Dons will give a good account of themselves in the final UEFA Conference League game.

RedTV subscribers can watch the joint press conference with Kevin and Jimmy Thelin here. 

“We’ve all been in good form lately. I think our performances in the league and in Europe have been good. You’d like the situation for the game to be different, that we could be playing to reach the next round, but playing for your pride can also be good motivation. We’ve come here to win the game. 

“At Aberdeen, every game is very important. Of course, we have more to play for in the league now than in Europe, but this game is also good for us as a team, so we can keep playing well, and of course we want to get three points. 

“We are here to play against a big team, a big game, and I think that’s where you showcase your talent, on a bigger stage. We’re out of the competition, but for us it’s about going out and trying to do our best and trying to take three points back.”

Both Kevin and Marko Lazetic have been showing good form of late as the Dons have begun adding goals to the miserly defensive displays that we have seen over the clast couple of months. Nisbet was full of praise for his fellow striker.

“Marko stretches the game, he’s got that pace and power to get behind them, he can play back to goal as well. I can come short and link play up a bit more, so we do different things and having us play together is another option for us. The competition for places is good, keeps you on your toes, makes you train harder and you know when you do play, you have to perform. 

“Strikers need service and with guys like Jesper, Topi, we’ve got players who can deliver great balls into the box. There’s absolutely great quality in this team, and hopefully we’ll show that tomorrow.”

Kevin was clear that he is starting to find his best form after a tough start to things after coming back north again.

“I had that injury at the start of pre-season after coming in quite fit as well, so that was disappointing, but that’s in the past now. I feel I’m getting up to speed now, I feel I can play more games. The longer the games go on, I’m not as tired any longer, so I think I’m getting back to where I want to be. 

“It took a while to really get up to speed, but I think for the last three or four weeks, I’ve been putting in good performances at a level I’m happier with. 

“Obviously, the World Cup is coming up as well, which is also a big motivation for me, so it’s just up to myself to do well for Aberdeen and hopefully push into the Scotland squad again. I get asked about goals targets every year, but for me, it’s just about getting as many as I can. 

“I know how good the Scotland team is, and how hard it will be to break in, but it’s something I’m hoping to do. I experienced that feeling at the Euros, it was great to be involved, to be with the players, so I would definitely like to experience it at the World Cup.

“But right now I’m focusing on Aberdeen. I just want to help as much as I can, if that’s a start, or being on the bench, or being around the place. But of course I want to be in the starting line-up and play as often as possible for the team, and hopefully I can score the goals that will help do that.”