Gary Mackay-Steven
“It was a great game to make my debut, on such a big occasion and with a great crowd. I really enjoyed it. It was great to firstly meet the boys before the game and then to make my debut at home here under the lights in a European game.
“I was pretty close to scoring. The defender just got a toe on my shot and forced the ball wide. It was a bit frustrating that that did not go in. I thought in the first half we were on top for large parts and it would have been nice to go in two goals up. Siroki showed their quality in the second half and they were passing it around well. So we are were a little bit disappointed come the end of the game.
“I thought technically they were a good team. They set up well tactically. As I say in the second half they knocked the ball about well and they always seemed to have an extra man in midfield. They got their tactics right so fair play to them tonight.
“As much as it is a good result for them, I feel we are more than capable of turning this tie around. It is only half time and we are still confident we can get through.
“At this stage of the season you are never at your top level. These minutes help everyone get that little bit more match sharp. Next week we will also be better from the experience of playing with each other and I think we will be better prepared.
“I did not expect to start. I was delighted the gaffer showed faith in me. That was amazing for me. I will look forward to repaying him. I lasted as long as I could but needed an oxygen tent at the end!
“A few weeks ago there was talk of a move here As the weeks went on the interest got more and more. I spoke to the manager here and he told me what his plans were for the season. I could not wait to come. I was so happy when it got finalised.
“Aberdeen is a massive club and the great work Derek has done here has not gone unnoticed by me. I want to kick on from here and help the club move forward.
“I know a fair few of the team. I played in the Scotland U21 team with Kenny McLean and obviously I have played against a lot of the boys through the seasons. It is a great bunch of lads and I am looking forward to playing with them more. I am looking forward to getting to know them a bit better on and off the park.
“I needed to get out and play games. I was in and out of the Celtic team, I didn’t want another season of being on the fringes. It is hard when you are training all week and then not playing games.
“I have come to a club who are challenging for honours. Aberdeen is a massive club who showed a lot of interest in me. I can’t thank Derek and all the staff enough for making the move happen. I can now look forward to the season.
“As much as I enjoyed it at Celtic, ultimately a player wants to play in the games. I was not happy being on the bench. I don’t think any footballer would be. I want to come here and show what I can offer. I want to get in a rhythm and get match fit. I want to get back on track.
“First and foremost, I just want to hit the ground running here. Get some games under my belt and get playing well to help the team. I f I do that and get back to my levels things will happen.
“On their day this side will be a match for anyone. There is a good winning mentality here. You can see that and there is a lot of quality in the team.”
“On their day this side will be a match for anyone. There is a good winning mentality here. You can see that and there is a lot of quality in the team.”
