McInnes not prepared to drop his guard as hurting Rijeka land in Aberdeen

Last season's SPFL Premiership runners-up stunned their Croatian counterparts, who were clear favourites going into last week's Europa League second round qualifier first leg, by claiming an emphatic 3-0 victory, a result that means Matjaz Kek's men need to score three themselves without conceding just to force extra-time.

However, for all Aberdeen's commanding position gives them an enviable upper-hand in the bid to face either Kairat Almaty or Alashkert in the next round - Almaty are 3-0 up from the first leg - McInnes saw enough throughout last Thursday's match in Croatia to know there is still a real threat to his team's progression. Rijeka were in control of proceedings early on and even rattled the post before the game slipped away from them, and the Aberdeen manager is refusing to get carried away.

"I expect a spirit from Rijeka and a fight to show the tie isn't over. Their pedigree in European football suggests that they aren't going to just roll over," said McInnes, whose team inflicted Rijeka's first home defeat in continental competition in 13 matches. "They have been a successful team over the last few seasons and their approach will be to an early goal. But for any game at home we have to try and impose ourselves.

"We are in a strong position but we know how games can easily change with momentum. We got goals at good times last week and the shot of confidence going through our team was massive because of that.

"I think it also had an impact on the Rijeka players in the closing stages. We know goals can change things but we must have the confidence and the courage in ourselves to do what's required."

It appears that Rijeka were not the only ones taken aback by Aberdeen's performance last week.

After labouring at times in the previous round to just squeeze by Macedonian outfit Shkendija on away goals, to then go and put three past a team that beat Standard Liege, Feyenoord and drew with holders Sevilla in last year's Europa League group stage was a shock for everyone - even the Pittodrie players.

"As a team we were all surprised by the result in Croatia but we know that can happen if we all play at our best," said David Goodwillie, who was deployed up front as a lone striker last week instead of Adam Rooney. "Perhaps the boys even surprised themselves how well we played but with the team spirit here I think we can beat anyone.

"What need to do is make sure we get the result to progress but if I was in their boat I would feel there's nothing to lose.

"They are a good team and the result from the first leg might not show that but they are and they will get the respect they deserve.

"I thought they were good all over the pitch and they had chances before we scored but didn't take them."

While Aberdeen welcome back Barry Robson to their squad after rolling his ankle the day before last week's first leg, Rijeka appear to face a defensive crisis going into tonight's return. The Croats arrived in Scotland yesterday lunchtime and trained at Pittodrie last night with just two recognised centre-halves in the form of Miral Samardzic and Matthew Mitrovic as Marko Leskovic joins long-term absentee Dario Knezevic and new recruit Franic Ikic on the sidelines.