Europe is this club's passport to glory

Jimmy targets a return to success on the continent

- CRAIG SWAN

JIMMY THELIN believes getting back into Europe is key in Aberdeen's bid to pose a long-term threat at the top of the Scottish game.

And the Swedish boss insists the relentless nature of champions Celtic offers the ideal template for his Dons ambitions.

Thelin wants a return to continental competition as soon as possible to help with progression of a club with a history in Europe that culminated in winning the Cup Winners' Cup under Alex Ferguson in 1983 The current Pittodrie manager is taking things step by step as he builds the squad and maintains growth in the Granite City.

Thelin said: "I don't want to go into precision, this kind of thing but for us it's to try to build in the long term and try to be that quality. And then to have that capacity so we can reach a position so we can play in Europe next season.