EUR GONNA LOVE IT

Nicholson insists Dons are back where they belong and reckons they can make their mark in group stage

- SCOTT BURNS

ABERDEEN landed the £5million jackpot finishing third but Barry Nicholson knows there are memories money can't buy on offer in Europe.

The Dons were celebrating last weekend as Celtic lifted the Scottish Cup, ensuring Barry Robson's side go into the playoff round of the Europa League.

If they get through that, they go into the group sections.

But if they lose, they fall into the same stage of the Conference League, bringing guaranteed games until Christmas.

Nicholson was part of the last Aberdeen squad to make the group stage 16 years ago.

Jimmy Calderwood's side not only got through their group but caused Bayern Munich a brief scare in the knockout stage.

And Nicholson said: "It will be amazing. It's what Aberdeen are all about. They need to be constantly pushing for those European places, cup finals and trophies.

"I know from being up there, those are the demands. Barry has done absolutely brilliantly to get Aberdeen into this situation. Going away to some of the places we did on that European run was amazing.