Aberdeen captain Joe Lewis this week sat down to speak with the AFC programme editor to preview the game on Thursday:
“Our first game of the season, here against RoPS Rovaniemi in the Europa League qualifier, was a very special occasion for me, to lead the team out as the club’s new captain and it was good to win my first game as captain.
“Winning the RoPS home leg was important, thought it was disappointing to concede late on. Then my first away game as captain did not get off to the best of starts. It must be close to the earliest goal I have ever conceded. The clean sheet went out the window early!
“It was a strange one as it was possibility a foul on Scott and then as their boy hit it, the ball was coming straight to me or even going over but took a huge deflection off Ash’s shin. There was nothing he could have done about it – or me after that! – and the ball landed up in the corner of the net.
“It put us on the back foot, but I never felt like we were going to lose that game. It was a good response from the boys.
“I had full confidence in us to win. I am always confident, especially with the attacking players we have got this season. We have got a really exciting front line and I will always back us to score goals.
“I was fortunate to make a couple of big saves in the two away games so far. Timing is important sometimes. You don’t get to choose when you make your saves and both were late on in the game. I was pleased to make them and to have contributed.
“As a keeper you’re not always going to be busy but it is part of your job to keep your focus and be ready to make those saves when they come along.
“This is such an important game on Thursday evening, we are desperate to come through the tie and have another European game to look forward to. I love the European games here. They have a special feel about them. Hopefully we get a good crowd and I know they will get behind us.
“With that away goal it definitely helps us. We need to make sure we apply ourselves 100% because although we are probably favourites now, you cannot underestimate any team.
“Just one little mistake here or there, or a mistake by an official, anything like that can pop up and things can suddenly look very different. We have to keep our focus and concentrate at all times.”
(Photo by Derek Ironside/Newsline Media)
(Photo by Derek Ironside/Newsline Media)
