We're determined, despite the craziness says Dundee United's Scott Robertson

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 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, 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."

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 UEFA have allowed AEK several lifelines.

But Robertson said: "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. We worked hard to get to Europe so we're determined to make the most of it, no matter what."