New Aberdeen signing Niall McGinn has set his sights on Europe this season and believes the team could even put pressure on Celtic.
Winger relishing chance to shine after Aberdeen switch
New Aberdeen signing Niall McGinn has set his sights on Europe this season and believes the team could even put pressure on Celtic at the top of the table.
Newco Rangers will not play in the Scottish Premier League after their application was rejected by the rest of the top flight following the liquidation of the old Ibrox club.
Celtic will therefore start the new campaign as overwhelming favourites to win the title, but McGinn has ambitions to challenge for glory.
McGinn previously played for Celtic before securing a switch to the Dons earlier in the week, and he believes there are bright times ahead at Pittodrie.
"With the current state Rangers are in there is no reason why Aberdeen cannot challenge Celtic next season," he said in the
Daily Record.
"With the squad and manager we've got we should definitely be pushing for Europe.
"There is no reason why we can't do well and bring success back to this club.
"Aberdeen is a big club with a lot of history and it's good to be working under an experienced manager like Craig Brown."
McGinn added: "I played as a winger with Celtic and on loan at Brentford but earlier in my career at Derry City I did well as a striker.
"I see myself as a goalscorer, I'm always hungry for goals."
No regrets
McGinn says he enjoyed his time with Celtic despite the competition for places that forced him to spend last season on loan at Brentford, but he is now looking forward to playing for Aberdeen.
He said: "I'm happy everything is done and dusted and I can't wait to get started.
"There were half a dozen offers from Scottish and English clubs and it was a tough decision but I've made the right one.
"I played 40-odd games last season and I will use that experience to help me here.
"I spoke to my Northern Ireland mates Josh Magennis and Rory McArdle and they only had praise for Aberdeen.
"I certainly have no regrets about my time at Celtic though. I loved every minute."
