ABERDEEN manager Derek McInnes was happy to see Northern Ireland go out of Euro 2016 as it means the return of Niall McGinn to his squad.
The winger came off the bench as his country lost 1-0 to Wales in the last 16 of the European Championships on Saturday and will immediately return to club action with the Dons.
McInnes' side begin their competitive season against Luxembourg's Fola Esch in the Europa League first qualifying round on Thursday and McGinn is likely to be thrust straight into action.
McInnes told RedTV: "Obviously Northern Ireland's disappointment is our gain.
"He is our player and we are looking forward to getting him back. They fly back to Belfast on Monday and Niall will be with us on Tuesday.
"I'm looking forward to getting him back because there is no doubt he is a very important player for us."
Aberdeen signed Anthony O'Connor from Burton Albion over the weekend and the 23-year-old made his first appearance for the club in Sunday's 3-0 friendly win against Brechin City.
"Anthony hadn't even trained but he showed even in the short period of time he was on the pitch, with his range of passing, composure, aggression, that he will be someone who is very popular with the fans and someone who will do very well for us," said McInnes.
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