Derek McInnes eyeing Rangers win after Europa League defeat

Derek McInnes sees a high-profile date with Steven Gerrard’s Rangers as the “perfect game” to help his Aberdeen side recover from Europa League disappointment.

The Dons could not be separated from Premier League opponents Burnley over two 90-minute legs in the competition’s second-qualifying round, only succumbing to defeat in extra-time at Turf Moor on Thursday.

If a 3-1 defeat on the night, and a 4-2 loss on aggregate, spelled the end of the club’s continental ambitions for another year, the manner of their performances offered plenty of reasons for cheer.

Teenager Lewis Ferguson produced a bicycle kick finish that will live long in the memory, Gary Mackay-Steven was a constant menace in attack and the likes of Niall McGinn, Graeme Shinnie and Shay Logan all held their own against better-fancied rivals.

There is no time to sit back and reflect on the experience though, with Rangers heading to Pittodrie on Sunday for their new manager’s first taste of the Scottish Premier League.

“It’s clear and raw at the minute, but we can’t have any hangover from this game affecting the next one,” said McInnes.

“Physically there’s clearly a job to do to make sure we’re ready. The mental side of it we need to really reset ourselves and look forward to a domestic campaign that I’m excited by.

“There’s no better game to try and get off to feeling better about ourselves than by winning on Sunday against Rangers. That’ll be tough but it’s a brilliant game to be involved in and maybe just the perfect game for us.”

“We need to quickly move on from the game because the next one is so quick on Sunday and with the extra time and early kick-off on Sunday that’s the biggest concern at the minute.”

The short turnaround between games is no obvious disadvantage to the Dons, with Rangers also in Europa League action against Croatian side Osijek on Thursday.

But the full-blooded, high-tempo nature of the all-British clash in Lancashire may leave McInnes’ men more stretched by their exertions.

“Niall McGinn and Sam Cosgrove were feeling the effects, as well as Tommie Hoban,” revealed the manager.

“It’s no surprise at this stage of the season. Burnley and ourselves wouldn’t have been expecting that type of game. A lot of players will be feeling the effects.

“You don’t get those types of games ordinarily. With the proximity of the teams and the rivalry of Scotland and England, both sets of players have been very competitive with their intensity.”