Calderwood joy over Dnipro win

Barry Nicholson starred for the Dons as they progressed in the Uefa Cup

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood hailed his side after a superb defensive display saw them beat Dnipro on away goals in the Uefa Cup.

Darren Mackie gave the Dons the lead and Dnipro replied through Andriy Vorobey, but the visitors held on.

"It's a great performance. They're a good team, we got the break by getting the goal and held on," said Calderwood.

"It's great for Scottish football. Gordon Strachan and Walter Smith have done great and now we have too."

Interview: Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood

Celtic defeated European champions AC Milan in the Champions League, while Rangers secured a memorable 3-0 victory over Lyon on Tuesday.

Calderwood said the European results were a welcome boost for Scottish football, adding: "Maybe we're not as bad as people think."

Mackie said the goal in Ukraine was arguably the most important of his career.

"It was a special one. I got on the end of a fantastic cross," Mackie said.

"It's massive - you can hear the fans (celebrating). Obviously we have not had the best start to the season but to come here, get a result and move into the group stages is magnificent."