Robertson trying to keep his head

Dundee United midfielder Scott Robertson admits he has been struck by the crazy nature of his first venture into European competition. But he is adamant that the chaos surrounding his team's Europa League tie with AEK Athens will not affect their performance.United, who trail 1-0 in the Europa League play-off, arrived in Athens yesterday afternoon still not knowing the venue for their match.The pitch at AEK's Olympic Stadium home was deemed unplayable and their replacement venue was vandalised, apparently by Panionios fans unhappy at their rivals being allowed to play there.The home of Olympiakos was finally confirmed as the venue about 24 hours before kick-off, although no Greek fans will be allowed in amid safety fears with just 500 United fans set to be in attendance.Robertson said: "I won't lie, it hasn't been easy because of all the uncertainty."It has been the craziest thing I've experienced in a build-up to a game."I know the fans in Scotland are passionate but this is a whole new level."It's the mentality over there, it seems to be the way things are."UEFA recently suspended Andorran side Santa Coloma for two years and imposed a 3-0 defeat on them in a Champions League qualifier because of the state of their playing surface but allowed AEK several lifelines.But Robertson said: "It's not for me to comment on whether it's fair or not."It's part of playing in Europe so if this is what happens then so be it."We desperately wanted to be in Europe and I'd much rather have this than be playing in the first rounds of the CIS Cup the other night."We worked hard to get to Europe so we're determined to make the most of it, no matter what it throws up."The Scotland cap added: "I loved it last Thursday, even though we didn't play well. It was a harsh lesson for us because they were excellent but hopefully we can turn that round."I was up against Nikos Liberopoulos. He was different class, he's played over 60 times for his country and won the European Championships."I won't play against players like that every week - I'd love to - but I think you can only learn from these experiences."AEK are a top-class side but we believe in ourselves, it's not over yet."

Source: Team_Talk