Aberdeen are fourth in the league and just one point behind Hibs and Knoester the best way to get it is by focusing.
Mats Knoester knows Aberdeen are well-placed with two opportunities to try and grab European group stage football.
The Dons, who have Hearts in the semi-final, can land it by lifting the Scottish Cup or if Celtic were to go all the way and then it would go to third position in the Premiership.
Aberdeen are fourth in the league and just one point behind Hibs and Knoester the best way to get it is by focusing on the next game and that comes away to Ross County today.
Knoester said: “We are in a very good position as we can get European football by finishing third or winning the cup.
“There are big prizes to go for and that has to be the next step but we have to focus on every game.
“We take a lot of confidence in the Motherwell result and especially the way we won.
“That helps with the momentum we are trying to create coming into the time when you can win the prizes.
“Every game is important to win but that’s even more so now we are near the end because the table is so tight.
“We clinched a top six finish last weekend but we are definitely not there yet with what we want to do.”
The 26-year-old has been a steadying influence on Aberdeen since he arrived from Ferencvaros. The Dons have only lost one game to Celtic in that time and he and Jimmy Thelin will be hoping that continues. You can see how Knoester has helped raise standards in his new-look defence. The Reds were celebrating their 4-1 win over Motherwell last week but he was more annoyed about the goal they lost.
Knoester, who mentioned it several times in the interview, acknowledged: “The one thing that wasn’t good was the way we allowed them to take the lead.
“For me their goal was a bit too easy which left us 1-0 behind after starting so well.
“That felt so unnecessary and when you win and everything is in a positive flow but it’s important to find improvement.
“Losing a goal like that really annoys me and regardless of the win as a defender or goalkeeper it’s always a better feeling to get a clean sheet.
“If you lose a goal that you could really have avoided then it always sticks in my head.
“That shows that scoring and not conceding can be very important in the game.”
The former Feyenoord player has also been something of a helping hand for Alfie Dorrington in recent weeks. The on-loan Spurs defender has come in and impressed with Kristers Tobers being out injured.
“Alfie’s doing a great job recently so that’s very important for boys who have been on the bench or are there now,” Knoester claimed.
“We what this part of the season is about and that everybody has their role and can make an impact.
“When I was that age I always liked it if a player who was a little bit older came up to me to offer advice.
“Obviously we speak about the things that are important for each match and hopefully I can help him with a bit of experience.
“But I am certain that Alfie can handle himself very well as there’s no doubt he’s a quality player.
“He’s come here to get playing time at a high level and the biggest challenge is going from a talented player to playing in a grown man league.
“Of course, Spurs is a big team but it’s on him to do well here and find his way forward.
“But he scored against Motherwell and I’ve not scored yet so I have to step up my game.”
ENDS
