FC Lokomotiv to face Scottish side Aberdeen FC in UAE training camp

New Aberdeen signing Niall McGinn is in contention to make his Reds return in a closed-door friendly against an Uzbekistan side in the United Arab Emirates, Evening Express reports.

The Dons will face Uzbekistan Oliy Liga champions Tashkent-based FC Lokomotiv in Dubai on Sunday, January 14, as part of their warm-weather training camp.

McGinn completed his move to Aberdeen on a three-and-a-half year deal last week. The Northern Ireland international officially became a Don for the second time yesterday when the January transfer window opened. Aberdeen jet out to the Middle East next week and will spend seven days training at the renowned Jebel Ali Centre of Excellence sports complex.

They will face strong opposition in FC Lokomotiv Tashkent who reached the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions in the 2015-16 season. FC Lokomotiv lost out 1-0 in the last eight to eventual beaten finalists Al Ain FC from Abu Dhabi.

During that season, the Railwaymen completed the Uzbek League and Cup double, then successfully defended the Uzbek League title. It will be the second successive winter the Dons have faced an Uzbekistan side during their camp in Dubai. Last January they defeated FC Bunyodkor 2-1.