Want the latest Scottish sport news sent straight to your inbox? Join thousands of others who have signed up to our Record Sport newsletter. Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

JIMMY CALDERWOOD insists Aberdeen will come face to face with Dutch doppelgangers in their Europa League clash tomorrow night.

And the former Dons boss admits he couldn’t call a winner when his old club meet Groningen in their first-leg qualifier at Pittodrie.

Calderwood, who has managed in Holland as well as having a five-year spell in charge of Aberdeen, said: “It’s going to be a really close game.

“Whatever happens on Thursday night, I don’t believe the contest will be finished.

“But if you were to ask me the score then I wouldn’t have a clue. It will be a good game, that’s all I’m sure about. It’s a really intriguing tie.

“Both teams are very similar. I don’t think there will be much in the game at all as they are both well matched.

“Defensively they are both strong and have players who can hurt you on the break.

“Aberdeen have the likes of Peter Pawlett, Niall McGinn and Adam Rooney who are perfect for the European stage.

“But it’s the strength in defence with both teams that impresses me the most and it’s the best part of their game.

“Russell Anderson and Mark Reynolds will both have huge parts to play at the heart of the defence.”

Calderwood would rather have seen the Dons drawn away from home in the opening leg but he believes getting their competitive campaign up and running earlier than Groningen should give them an advantage.

He said: “I don’t think the fact the first leg is at Pittodrie helps Aberdeen too much.

“Aberdeen can set themselves up to counter-attack and that can be their strength in Europe.

“Derek McInnes hasn’t been too happy in having his side described that way but there’s nothing wrong with a counter-attacking style.

“When I was in charge we went to Dnipro who were multi-millionaires but it worked out brilliantly for us with Darren Mackie scoring an early goal when we progressed in the UEFA Cup in 2007.

“It was a massive blow for Aberdeen to lose to Motherwell in the final game of last season which meant an early start in Europe this season but that can work in their favour against Groningen.

“They are out of the blocks quicker and have played two competitive games. That for me is a big advantage.”

Calderwood’s expertise on Dutch football was enhanced with a spell last season with De Graafschap which lasted just one month but the former NEC Nijmegen boss has kept a close eye on Groningen’s recent resurgence from difficult times.

He said: “Groningen are a side that did well last season after coming through a spell when they were in financial trouble.

“They were forced to get the big earners off the wage bill but their head coach, Erwin van de Looi, has done a remarkable job in difficult circumstances.

“It’s been their best season in a while even though they had to get rid of all their star players.

“They have brought in a few unknowns and have gelled remarkably well in a short space of time.

“Traditionally Groningen is a very difficult place to visit and come away with a result.

“They will present a real danger as they have boys in their side who can steal a goal or two with their pace.

“But they will line up with a defensive approach. Like the Dons, they have a happy squad with a great team spirit and no big egos.”