The youngster got a taste of what European grpup stage football has to offer against Eintracht Frankfurt and HJK Helsinki last season
Self-confessed Dons fan Jack Milne is desperate for Aberdeen to get another crack at European group stage football.
The young defender was part of Barry Robson’s side that made it there last season, where he got a taste of things in the win over Eintracht Frankfurt and the draw with HJK in the Conference League.
It has been the highlight of his career so far and he would love to get Jimmy Thelin’s side back there next season.
The Dons can clinch that particular prize by lifting the Scottish Cup or if they finish third and Celtic come out on top at Hampden. Milne stated: “Yes, it’s a huge thing.
“I said the other day, I remember when I was younger and I’d watched the first team in Europe. It was always special, the atmosphere, everything about it was great.
“The fact that we were able to do that and I was able to be a part of it was brilliant. Hopefully, we can do that again and get back into it next year.”
Aberdeen face Hearts in the Scottish Cup semi-final next week but they also have six massive games in the league, starting with Sunday’s clash against Rangers.
The academy graduate admitted: “Yes, I think obviously we had a great start to the season and then a little dip in the middle, but at the end of the season it’s exciting, we’re in a good place and we want to push for European football next year so every game is a cup final almost.
“It’s tight and I think this year especially, all the teams it’s been quite close. There’s been some teams going on great runs like we did at the start and then dropping off. It’s one of those where it doesn’t really matter who you’re playing, you’ve got to be at 100% every week.
“It’s one game at a time, the next one is Sunday, it’s a big one.”
Aberdeen have already beaten Rangers at Pittodrie this season and will be looking to make it a dream double, against Barry Ferguson’s side who will be feeling it after their midweek draw with Athletic Club. Milne watched the game and could also see him come up against his pal and fellow Pittodrie graduate Connor Barron.
He explained: “Yes, I watched them against Athletic Club. European football is always hard and we felt that as well when we were in it, going from Thursday and then playing at the weekend.
“We’re just focusing on Sunday and preparing for the game the best we can.
“I grew up with Conor and he’s moved down there now. “I’m sure I’ll see him on Sunday.”
Milne signed a new long-term last week and has swapped the stands for the pitch and is living the dream.
“I think most of the football I watched was Aberdeen when I was younger,” the 22-year-old admitted. I’d go to the games with my dad.
“Sometimes my mum would tag along, but she wasn’t really interested.
“I didn’t really watch much English football. I’d watch the Champions League finals, but a lot of it was just Aberdeen going to the games.”
Milne is now looking to make himself a fixture in the Aberdeen first-team.
He admitted: “Yes, I think it (my contract) gives me that stability. I can put it to the back of my mind and really try and kick on and get myself in the team.
“There wasn’t really much to think about, it’s the club I’ve grown up at, the club I want to play for and it’s one all my family support so, yes, it was a pretty straightforward decision, especially my mum, Lesley, she’s delighted I’m just not going anywhere.”
He now feels ready to make his top team push after working on the aspects that Thelin earmarked for him to improve.
“A lot of it was to do with my timing and decision making,” the former Scotland under-21 cap claimed. “They sound like little things but now that I’ve worked on them and they’ve progressed I know it’s a big difference.
“I think a lot of that does just come with training and practice and I think since the start of the season it’s improved a lot.”
One of his main strengths has been his versatility. He has played right-back, central half and in midfield.
Milne claimed: “I like being versatile and I like being able to play different positions, but I think for me my best position is centre-back.
“I think because of my attributes I’ll have the best career there long-term but as long as I’m playing I’m not too bothered where I’m playing.”
