SCOTTISH CLUBS READY TO RISE TO CHALLENGE
0 Comments | Herald, The; Glasgow (UK), Jul 28, 2010
MOTHERWELL face a tall order if they are to continue their Europa League adventure. Liverpool and Juventus are among the potential opponents in the third qualifying round, but firstly Craig Brown’s men must deal with the threat of striker Tor Hogne Aaroy, all 6ft 8in of him, in Thursday’s first-leg tie against Aalesunds FK.
Twelve months ago, Steaua Bucharest denied the Lanarkshire side passage to the final qualifying round of the inaugural Europa League.
Brown boasts a 100% record in European competition so far, albeit from only two games – 1-0 victories home and away against Icelandic outfit Breidablik – but will be eager to keep the run going and ensure Motherwell’s hopes of landing a glamour tie against one of European football’s big guns are kept alive.
Midfielder Steve Jennings yesterday spoke of the danger posed by the towering striker. “I’d like to think we could cope with him,” he said. “Having seen him this morning [on video], he is a big lad but if we can stop crosses coming in it will do us the world of good.
“Crags [Stephen Craigan] has got so many international caps, he has seen it all before. He has got enough nous about him to know when to go for a header, when not to go for a header, when to let him win it, when to leave off him.
“I played against Peter Crouch in a pre-season friendly [for Tranmere v Portsmouth] and he is the one in England that everybody knows. The thing with Crouchy is that he is also excellent on the floor.”
During his travails on the international stage, Brown has been witness to most challenges and situations, developing a knowledge of how to deal with them to a sufficient standard to achieve success.
“That is what we talked about in the team talk when we watched the video,” said Brown. “If we can stop crosses coming in then obviously that is going to help us. To be fair, they don’t seem to just pump it up to him, they do seem to try and play a bit.
“Obviously at goal kicks you have got to have one in front, one behind and a sweeper in case he does get the flick on. It is important we go there to let them worry about us and not just us worrying about them.”
European competition is the one region where Brown can be considered soemthing of a novice
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