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Northern Ireland's Niall McGinn set to feature for Aberdeen in Europa League

Niall McGinn of Northern Ireland celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA EURO 2016 Group C match against Ukraine
Image: Niall McGinn was on target for Northern Ireland at Euro 2016

Aberdeen winger Niall McGinn will be available for their Europa League tie on Thursday, following Northern Ireland's elimination from Euro 2016.

The Dons begin their campaign when they host Luxembourg side Fola Esch in a first qualifying round, first-leg tie at Pittodrie on Thursday.

And manager Derek McInnes has confirmed he is planning to use McGinn, who is due to return to Aberdeen on Tuesday before joining his team-mates for training on Wednesday.

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes press conference 2016-17
Image: Aberdeen manager McInnes is happy to turn to McGinn

The 28-year-old was a key member of the Northern Ireland squad who reached the round-of-16 at Euro 2016 before losing 1-0 to Wales on Saturday.

The Aberdeen man came off the bench in that game and also in the group game against Ukraine, when he scored deep into stoppage-time to secure a memorable 2-0 win.

Aberdeen warmed up for the Europa League game with a 3-0 friendly victory at Brechin on Sunday thanks to goals from Jayden Stockley, Lawrence Shankland and Ryan Jack.

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Aberdeen started their pre-season campaign with a 3-0 win at Brechin ahead of their Europa League first qualifying round tie on Thursday

Jonny Hayes, Kenny McLean and Ash Taylor all missed the game with slight injuries but are expected to feature on Thursday.

Ryan Jack scores Aberdeen's third goal against Brechin
Image: Ryan Jack scores Aberdeen's third goal in the friendly against Brechin

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