Aberdeen boss plays glowing tribute to Connah’s Quay Nomads

Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes has heaped praise on the Connah’s Quay Nomads ahead of their Europa League qualifier.

The former Bristol City manager witnessed a goalless draw with the Nomads on Saturday in Ireland, as both sides continued to prepare for the Europa League.

Players like former Cardiff City goalkeeper Joe Lewis and Wales international Ryan Hedges featured, in what was a mostly full-strength Aberdeen team. 

Connah’s Quay face Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock next week and McInness has seen a lot in Andy Morrison’s men.

Speaking to the DailyRecord, the 47-year-old said: “Kilmarnock will be favourites but you can see the confidence in the Connah’s team.

“They are clearly used to winning and have a fantastic spirit about them.

“They have physicality, long throws and can impose themselves.

“But if Killie hit the form they hit last season they will be favourites. But they’ll have their work cut out as they’ll have to produce a performance to get past these boys.”

“Connah’s Quay have good European experience, Andy has them well organised and he barks instructions the whole way through.

“This is their third clean sheet of pre-season and you can see why.

“Connah’s will be tough to break down but once it becomes more competitive I’m sure Kilmarnock have the players who can cause them problems as we have – we just didn’t show it enough.”

The Nomads have completed their European warm-ups now, remaining unbeaten. 

Ryan Wignall’s return was announced last Friday, as Andy Morrison looks to build another squad capable of challenging on the domestic and European stage.

They will play Angelo Alessio’s Kilmarnock at Belle Vue next Thursday, before returning to Scotland once more to play the Killie at Rugby Park in the return leg. 

(Featured Image: NCM Media)