Aberdeen FC's flight to Latvia for their Europa League tie with FK Ventspils has been delayed for up to eight hours after a seagull flew into the engine of their plane.

Players gathered at Aberdeen airport only to be told they wouldn't be able to leave as planned due to issues with the plane's hydraulic system.

The Dons may now not be able to travel to Riga until early this evening, forcing Derek McInnes' men to change their whole schedule.

Aberdeen had been scheduled to train at Ventspils' stadium this evening but following the freak incident, the squad returned for a training session at Pittodrie at 9.30am.

The Scottish side hold a 3-0 advantage heading into the return match.