Mikael Lustig still can’t get used to the sight of Scott Brown wearing the red of Aberdeen.
But he’s backing the new Dons skipper to play for the jersey and lead them to victory against BK Hacken in the first Europa Conference League qualifier on Thursday.
Former Celtic star Lustig has warned that Hacken are a team on form, while Stephen Glass’ new-look side still have to play a competitive game.
But the Swede believes landing his former Hoops captain is a masterstroke from Glass and knows the veteran midfielder could be massive domestically and in Europe.
Lustig said: “Scott will be so vital for Aberdeen. He was an inspiration at Celtic. I used to work and play with him every day and he always gave 100 per cent. He will be the same at Aberdeen, it’s a massive signing.
“It’s weird to see him in a red shirt now! He’s a quality player and always keeps himself fit. He’s getting older but will still be a big player for Aberdeen.
“I had a look at the Aberdeen team and they have a few young players coming in. Scott will help them and the team on and off the pitch.
“I don’t know much about their new manager but it looks like they have a good experienced squad and can really do things this season.”
Aberdeen will need to come out of the blocks because Hacken are a different team to when the draw was made.
They had been bottom of the league but under new coach Per-Mathias Hogmo they are making a top-six push – showing the form that saw them tipped to shine in the Allsvenskan.
Lustig said: “It has been a little bit of a strange season for Hacken. Before the campaign kicked off a lot of people in the media tipped them to do well and even finish in the top two.
“People expected them to be right up there challenging for the title. It hasn’t really worked out like that.
“They struggled for one reason or another and were bottom of the table for a long time then decided to get rid of their coach.
“Now they have taken in the highly-experienced Hogmo and their results have picked up so they’ve started to climb the league. They have a good squad. Hacken have good players and a lot of quality.”
Lustig should know as he watched from the sidelines as the Gothenburg side beat his AIK Stockholm.
The defender said: “They like to keep possession and build the play up. They’re not the quickest in midfield or at the back and that is an area where Aberdeen can cause problems.
“They do have a lot of pace on the wings and going forward, though, which means they can be dangerous on the counter-attack.
“It looks like it will be two exciting games. The good thing for Hacken is they are well into their season and all their players will be up to full speed.
“We aren’t sure what level Aberdeen will be at because they have only been playing friendlies. It will also definitely
be tough playing away on the artificial pitch at Hakken, which will give them an advantage in the second leg. Overall Aberdeen could have the quality to go through.”
Lustig reckons the biggest threat will be striker Alex Jeremejeff. The Hoops old boy said: “They’re not a big club but they are one of the richest clubs in Sweden. They don’t have a big fan base but do have a lot of financial backing.
“Jeremejeff will be a big threat, as their main striker. He is 27, has played for the national team and has good experience.
“He did very well at Hacken in his first spell then went to Malmo and came back and did well again. He then went to Dynamo Dresden and Twente but is back at Hacken. That seems to be where he plays his best football.
“Martin Olsson, who played at Norwich and Blackburn, is a hugely experienced Swedish international. He is very influential for them but Hacken also have good experience across their squad.”
