RYAN JACK

“We know it is going to be a tough ask tomorrow night. But it is one we are really looking forward to. As a squad we have sat down and spoken about how far we want to go in the competition. Winning this tie would be taking a step towards where we want to be.

“Getting through this tie would mean a lot to the players, the staff and the club.

“We know we are up against tough opposition and we know we have to have our concentration levels at 100%.

“We have to be wary throughout the game.

“But it is important that we go into the game with no fear and we believe after our performance last week that we are capable of getting a good result.

“We expect Maribor to come out and be strong at the start of the game. They are playing in front of their own crowd and we know they will have a good backing tomorrow, and they will get right behind their team. So right from the off we have to be ready and be prepared for what is coming our way.”   DEREK McINNES

“Last week in Aberdeen we played to win the game. We will do the same tomorrow. We will play to win the game. It does not matter how we play. It is the result that counts.

“The performance and attitude of the players last week was excellent. I thought we limited a good side in Maribor, to very few opportunities.

“As a manager in any game you are looking for the balance between attacking and defending. Last week we attacked very well. We got in plenty of crosses and had plenty of opportunities and pressure on the Maribor defence but we only came away from the game with one goal.

“I think the fact that Maribor scored an away goal means that they are in the driving seat. But before the first leg I always felt for us to beat Maribor and to get through the tie, we would have to score over here. So nothing has changed from our point of view and we are confident that not only can we come here and score but we can win the game.

“I think Maribor are a strong team. We are full of respect for our opponents. Their recent history in European competition alone deserves respect.

“When we study an opponent we have to try and find areas that we can cause them problems but also try and make the players aware of the strengths of their team. We feel as if we know the Maribor team and we know the system. We know how they like to play. We don’t expect any real surprises tomorrow. The onus is on us to try and score the goal that will take us through.

“Although I think Maribor are the favourites, I think the tie is there to be won by both teams.

“Can I just finally add, on behalf of everyone at the club – players, staff and supporters; our thoughts are with the families of the players involved in the tragedy yesterday. I know we are here to talk football but it would be wrong for me not to mention that.  It is a sad sad day and our thoughts are with the families and everyone involved with Maribor.

“Can I just finally add, on behalf of everyone at the club – players, staff and supporters; our thoughts are with the families of the players involved in the tragedy yesterday. I know we are here to talk football but it would be wrong for me not to mention that.  It is a sad sad day and our thoughts are with the families and everyone involved with Maribor.