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Craig Brown expects his Motherwell side to rise to the challenge of representing the nation on Thursday night against Breidablik.

The former Scotland boss illustrated that national pride does not dissipate when you leave the top job as he proclaimed: “This represents a terrific opportunity for us to represent Scotland, and to be the flagship of the nation at this point in time.

“We are always extremely optimistic, ahead of any match.” continued Brown. “We don’t want to let Scotland down, we don’t want to let North Lanarkshire down – so expect a fighting, aggressive, enthusiastic Motherwell team on Thursday.”

Despite this tie coming very early for the Steelmen, he concedes that his side will probably be considered favourites.

“They seem to think we are favourites, but it’s not a tag I like.” Brown smiled. “I’ve revelled in the underdog tag with Scotland, because you go away and play big teams that you are not expected to beat.

“I prefer to be the underdog, but if we are considered favourites then so be it. We will have to deal with that and shoulder the extra responsibility that comes from that.”

Breidablik approach the game at Fir Park in the form of their lives. They are the current Icelandic cup holders and find themselves top of their domestic league for the first time in 25 years.

Brown has had his old pal Jocky Scott over on the remote island watching them play and he has no doubts about what lies in store for the Steelmen.

“We are probably expected to win, but they have some very, very good players. Jocky Scott has been over watching them, and he has confirmed exactly that.

“They have a good, home-bred squad. My experience of Icelandic players is that they are very quick, athletic and disciplined. So we expect to face those attributes, and I gather they are very dangerous on the counter attack. We have to guard against the away goal.”

Much of the talk ahead of this tie has centred on the fact Breidablik are three months into their season, while Motherwell have only been back in training for a couple of weeks. To his credit, the manager has consistently dismissed this excuse and firmly believes his team are ready to compete.

“We are ready. People keep saying that it is too early in the season, but we have trained exceptionally hard to get ready. Archie is superb with the players in pre-season.”

Motherwell can boast some decent European nous to go with that fitness. This is the third season on the trot the Steelmen will compete in continental football and the players are starting to rack up some excellent experience.

The likes of Stephen Craigan, Mark Reynolds and Keith Lasley have been stalwarts in recent European campaigns. Even young Jamie Murphy is only a goal away from breaking Stevie Kirk’s European goals record. Brown believes this could be the key to success.

“We have some good experience.” he said. “Stephen Craigan has 48 caps for Northern Ireland, Bob McHugh and Steven Saunders were away with Billy Stark’s Scotland U21 squad in Croatia and Mark Reynolds has only missed one game in two years. So we have a modicum of European experience.

“Archie and I have been on a few European adventures ourselves. It’s nothing new to many of us, but it is another exciting episode and hopefully it will be an exciting one for Motherwell.

“Our objective has to be to get through to the group stages. Then we can start to focus on the final!”

The club are delighted to announce that suicide awareness charity Choose life will sponsor the Europa League tie with Breidablik.

Choose Life have worked in partnership with Motherwell FC for the past three years and will use the Second Qualifying Round matches as a method to further promote their message.

Chief Executive Leeann Dempster said, “We are absolutely delighted to be working with Choose Life for these important games.

“Choose Life is a fantastic, worthwhile and local organisation that do a great job promoting awareness of such a serious issue.

“We are delighted to extend our relationship further for the games against Breidablik.”

Tickets for the Second Leg of the Europa League Second Qualifying Round tie with Breidablik are currently on sale from the Fir Park Ticket Office.

The club have been given a total allocation of 300 tickets, priced at £20 each, for the match on Thursday 22nd July.

Please note that tickets can only be bought in person (no phone or internet sales are available), and your passport information is required when purchasing.

Fans travelling on the official club charter need not buy tickets as they will be supplied on the plane itself.

For further information please contact the club on 01698 333 333.

Craig Brown watched his side scrape past Ayr United on Saturday before declaring his team fit and ready for the visit of Breidablik.

Motherwell made it three wins on the bounce ahead of their European campaign thanks to a Ross Forbes free-kick and a late goal from Bob McHugh.

It was a lacklustre display from the Steelmen, watched by Breidablik manager Olafur Kristjansson at Somerset Park.

But it was their third game in five days and Brown believes his team now has the fitness levels to take on the Icelandic league leaders.

“The performance wasn’t great but the fitness levels are good.” he said. “The match was something of a fitness exercise and from that point of view it was satisfactory.

“We don’t want to use the fact they have already started their season as an excuse – we have now had 19 training sessions and three matches, and Archie Knox is one of the best in the business when it comes to pre-season fitness, so we should be fit now.”

Brown admits the performance was as much down to him as the players: “My instructions today were to avoid challenges which risked two things; a yellow card, or an injury.

“I said to the players: ‘don’t get into risky tackles because all that matters is next week.’ Our guys like Lasley, Jennings and Craigan snap into tackles, that’s what they do. They couldn’t play like that today.

“Perhaps that is a reason for that display, because we certainly did not look like a Premier Division team against a team from the Second Division. We have to admit that.”

The Motherwell boss admits that he is still working hard to add players to his squad ahead of the Europa League and SPL campaign.

“We are always on the phone,” added Brown. I’m expecting a couple of call backs from managers down in England on Monday morning, and we are hoping to use our contacts to secure a couple of loan signings. I am looking for an absolute minimum of three additions to the squad.

“I am happy with the players I have but I would like a bigger squad. The funds simply aren’t there. We have the funds to sign a striker, but that is all unless we sell somebody on first.

“We’re no different from anyone else – the St Mirren’s, the Kilmarnock’s, and the Aberdeen’s. Every manager I speak to say the budget is horrendous. We have to keep the wage bill down at a manageable level.”

Motherwell completed a hat-trick of friendly wins with a narrow victory over Ayr United at Somerset Park.

The Steelmen weren’t at their best throughout on a wet and windy afternoon but a Ross Forbes free-kick and a late Robert McHugh strike secured a 2-1 win.

Craig Brown named a strong team for the trip to Ayrshire but they struggled for long periods against the Second Division side.t

Indeed, Ayr started well and had the best of the opening ten minutes. However, for all their possession, Brian Reid’s men never really created anything of note to trouble Darren Randolph.

Motherwell responded and Jamie Murphy kicked things off with a long range effort that flew wide and the same player almost nipped in between David Crawford and former ‘Well stopper Bobby Donnelly following a Forbes cross but his effort trundled the wrong side of the post.

It was a typical low-key pre-season affair and it took a further ten minutes for the next piece of noteworthy action. Full-back Stevie Hammell’s brilliant through ball played in John Sutton who raced clear of the home defence. Just as the Englishman was about to pull the trigger, he was halted in his tracks by an excellent recovery tackle by Martyn Campbell.

The deadlock was finally broken after 27 minutes and it was the Honest Men who took the lead courtesy of some quality play from new signing Andy Rodgers. The striker did well to control the ball on the edge of the area and, with one movement, smashed a fierce low shot pass Randolph.

It was the last action of an otherwise poor first half, particularly forMotherwell who weren’t at the races whatsoever.

Ayr started the second much as they had ended the first, on top and utilising the counter-attack to great effect. Easton broke clear on the left channel and, with numerous options, squared it towards the edge of the area. Dean Keenan was there and looked to have time but fluffed his shot wide.

The Steelmen went immediately on the attack and almost brought things level courtesy of a Forbes shot. Chris Humphrey was the architect, bursting down the right and his cut-back somehow found the young midfielder but he scooped it high over the bar and out the ground from ten yards.

Both teams traded long shots before ‘Well finally drew level courtesy of a that man Forbes with another terrific free-kick. Keith Lasley was fouled on the edge of the area, presenting the youngster with a chance. He fooled everyone with a clever low effort under the wall that drilled past Crawford and into the net.

It prompted a more attacking approach and substitute Page and Steven Saunders both had headers from corners that dropped narrowly over the bar.

With just three minutes remaining, Lasley presented Sutton with a great chance when his flick put the former St Mirren man through on goal. The striker could only muster a tired looking shot that flew way wide of the post though and that looked as if that would be that.

However, with less than a minute to play, substitute McHugh snatched victory for ‘Well. Fellow youngster Gary Smith flicked a header on towards goal and his strike partner got the better of Donnelly before rounding goalkeeper Crawford to slot the ball into an empty net.

It was harsh on Ayr but a good end to the match for the Steelmen, who now face Breidablik in the Europa League.

Motherwell: Randolph, Saunders (McHugh 80), Hammell (Page 46), Craigan, Reynolds, Lasley, Jennings (Hateley 53), Forbes, Humphrey, Sutton, Murphy (Smith 83). Subs not used: Bradley, Charalambous, Hutchinson.

Motherwell’s opening game of the 2010/11 Clydesdale Bank Premier League will be shown live on ESPN.

Hibernian will now visit Fir Park on Sunday 15th August (kick-off 12.00pm).

The home game against Celtic, originally scheduled for Saturday 28th August, has also been selected for television coverage.

It has been moved to Sunday 29th August (kick-off 12.00pm).

• Revised fixture list

Motherwell continued their preparations for the Europa League clash with Breidablik with a 2-1 win over Forfar at Station Park.

The Steelmen, much changed from Tuesday’s success at Brechin, just about deserved the win against a neat and tidy Forfar who were worthy opponents and caused considerable trouble over the 90 minutes.

Craig Brown made nine changes with only trialists Chris Shuker and Carlos Gazapo retaining their starting spots. They were joined by Rhys Weston, the former Walsall full-back also looking to win a deal at Fir Park.

The amount of changes appeared to upset some of the rhythm built-up in the second half at Glebe Park. Only a Jonathan Page header, that dropped harmlessly wide of the post, offered any encouragement in a dull opening ten minutes.

That all changed midway through the first period when both sides got on the scoresheet in a frantic two-minute salvo.

The Steelmen drew first blood when trialist Shuker did well to skip by two challenges on the edge of the box before pulling the trigger. His effort was blocked but fortune favoured the Englishman as the ball spun up, allowing him to smash home the rebound from six yards out.

But Forfar drew level almost immedaitely when a long, searching throw-in from Mark McCulloch found Chris Templeman in the area. The veteran striker used all his experience to help it on, allowing Graham Gibson the simplest of tasks as he cushioned a header past Hollis and into the net.

The goal gave the Loons confidence and they almost made it 2-1 four minutes later when left-back Steven Tulloch latched onto a Templeman diagonal before cutting it back for Martin Fotheringham. The striker took a good touch but couldn’t match that with a shot, ballooning his effort way over the bar.

Both sides traded possession and created half chances. John Sutton tested the handling of on-loan Rangers keeper Scott Gallagher with a low shot. And at the other end, a fantastic cross ball from Fortheringham found scorer Gibson but this time his header went well wide with Weston in close attendance.

Just before the interval, the Steelmen had another half-chance when Chris Humphrey showed terrific pace to create an opening on the right flank. The winger threw over a teasing near-post cross but it was just the wrong height for Robert McHugh who could only screw his header high over the bar.

Brown made one change at half-time; Steven Saunders replacing winger Shuker who took a knock just before the interval. That meant a few positional changes as the Scotland U19 International took his place in the heart of the back four.

Fellow youngster Jordan Halsman was first to threaten in the second half but his free-kick from the edge of the area flew a few yards over the bar with Gallagher comfortable.

Forfar replied through Templeman, who latched on to an over-the-top pass and fired a shot at goal from an acute angle but Hollis was well placed to make the stop.

Motherwell were starting to get the upper-hand though as the part-timers began to tire. Substitute Saunders almost got his name amongst the goals when he rose to meet a Humphrey corner from the right but his header dropped inches wide of the post.

Eight minutes later, ‘Well created another opening and should have taken the lead. Page, now operating as a left-back, was the architect, bursting forward with the ball and seeing off a number of challenges. As the penalty box approached, he slid in Gazapo but with time and space, the Spaniard shot straight at Gallagher.

Brown introduced a couple of substitutes with Mark Reynolds replacing Sutton and Stevie Hammell coming on for Weston. And that extra bit of quality proved to be the turning point in the game as the Steelmen took the lead with just 15 minutes remaining.

Another Humphrey corner, again from the right, had Gallagher battling with Page for the ball. It dropped kindly for Reynolds who, despite only being on the park for a few minutes, showed great composure to smash home from close range.

Yet Forfar missed a great chance to snatch a draw in the sixth minute of injury time. A free-kick from the left caused all sorts of problems in the six-yard box and eventually, Templeman fired a shot that was hacked off the line by Halsman – a game winning block without a doubt.

Motherwell: Hollis, Weston (Hammell 65), Halsman, Page, Hutchinson, Meechan, Humphrey (Lasley 8), Shuker (Saunders 46), McHugh, Sutton (Reynolds 61), Gazapo. Subs not used: Randolph, Craigan.

‘Well striker Jamie Murphy should be fit to face Breidablik with the news that his knock last night isn’t as serious as initially feared.

The Scotland U21 hitman had to be withdrawn after 20 minutes at Glebe Park and Craig Brown told the gathered press after the match that he feared ankle ligament damage.

However, speaking exclusively to motherwellfc.co.uk, Murphy allayed fears; insisting he is hoping to be spearheading the Steelmen strikeforce next Thursday night.

“Things aren’t as bad as we first feared,” said Murphy.

“We let things settle over night and after speaking to the physio (John Porteous), I am hoping to be back within the week.

“My aim is to play against Breidablik as it’s such a big game for the club.”

Motherwell boss Craig Brown was pleased with the workout his team got against Brechin City this evening.

A dull first half failed to produce any action but three goals in the second half from John Sutton, Ross Forbes and Keith Lasley handed the Steelmen a 3-1 win.

And Brown was quick to highlight the merits of the game, despite having one or two injury problems.

He said, “I thought it was a good exercise all in. Bear in mind we had one or two players who are not fit to play, good players at that. Chris Humphrey and Tom Hateley both travelled with the team but are carrying knocks.

“I was pleased with Darren Randolph who looked confident and his goalkeeping is top class. When we knew we were in for him I spoke to Christian Dailly who was captain of Charlton last season. He said he couldn’t believe we were getting him after he had played the last 15 or 16 games of the season and the play-off against Swindon and he was excellent in that.

“Carlos Gazapo and Chris Shuker, both of whom were bright, were the two trialists in the team and we will have another look at them and make a decision. They have to be better than we have here at the club and games on Thursday and Saturday will help us make up our minds.

“The one disappointment was the injury to Jamie Murphy, it might be his ankle ligaments, and he is one we could do without being injured. We will need to wait overnight to see what happens. Thankfully he is a quick healer as we are short up front.”

Losing Murphy would certainly be a blow for Brown who is hoping the Scotland U21 hitman will play a big part in the up-coming campaign.

However, he has faith in either Bob McHugh or Gary Smith to step up to the plate should they be required.

“We have a couple of young boys who could come in, Bob McHugh and Gary Smith, but they lack experience and we don’t want to put pressure on these two.

“We would rather have an experienced striker to play alongside John Sutton. It could be a loan striker we bring in, we have until 24 hours before the game to bring one late signing in for the first leg.

“As for Lukas, it’s not dead yet, but it won’t happen before the European game as they (Everton) are off to Australia and it all depends what David Moyes want to do with him.”

Motherwell got their 2010/11 campaign off to a good start with a 3-1 friendly victory over Brechin City.

Second half goals from John Sutton, Ross Forbes and Keith Lasley gave the Steelmen the edge against a gritty and determined home side.

The only blemish was a late goal conceded by the aid of a wicked deflection but Craig Brown and Archie Knox will have been more than satisfied with their evening’s work.

There was a debut in goal for new keeper Darren Randolph and trialists Carlos Gazapo and Chris Shuker were given starting places in an otherwise familiar looking ‘Well side.

The Steelmen started brightly and created the first opening inside the first sixty seconds when both the trialists combined to test Craig Nelson.

Former Tranmere winger Shuker chased a dead ball into the corner and managed to scoop a dangerous cross into the middle. Gazapo was lurking with intent but he was beaten to the ball by Nelson, who just about gathered at the second attempt.

The game quickly settled though and for ten minutes ‘Well dominated without creating too much in the way of clear cut chances. That changed on the 14th minute when Jamie Murphy’s speculative over-head kick dropped inches wide.

However, it was Murphy’s last involvement in the game as he was replaced by John Sutton after picking up a slight knock.

It took 27 minutes for the hosts to register an effort at goal but left-back Mark Docherty’s 30-yard effort trickled back to Randolph.

Motherwell replied five minutes later with a flowing move down the left involving Stevie Hammell and Gazapo allowed Sutton in behind Paul McLean. However, despite a good first touch, his effort blazed just over the bar.

If that was close, Brechin’s effort shortly after should have led to the opening goal. Former Inverness Caley hitman Rory McAlister found himself in acres of space on the right touchline. His cutback to the supporting Craig Malloy was perfect but his effort, from about ten yards, somehow went over the bar.

At the other end, ‘Well responded immediately and Hammell’s bursting run down the left almost brought an open goal but for a last-ditch block by McLean.

The resulting corner found captain Stephen Craigan whose goalbound looking header hit Shuker before being scrambled away. Lasley picked up on the loose ball on the edge of the area and his neat near-post cross came back off the bar before finally being pounced upon by Nelson.

Motherwell picked up where they left off in the second half and Sutton opened the scoring just four minutes in. Gazapo found space inside the area but his effort at goal was blocked. It fell to the former Saint who smashed it though Nelson into the net.

Things got even better for the visitors when Forbes made it two just six minutes later and it was a strike of some quality – much his goal agaisnt St Johnstone on the opening day of last season.

The midfielder’s corner on the right bounced through to Reynolds at the far post and his ball back into the middle found Forbes, who quickly switched onto his left foot before lashing an unstoppable strike into the top left corner of the net.

Motherwell’s tails were up and a flowing move was almost rewarded with a goal for trialist Shuker. A five-man passing move was eventually crossed by Hammell and landing at the feet of the pint-sized winger off the boot of a covering defender. His shot was going in but for a superb goal line clearance by sub David White.

However, the Steelmen weren’t to be denied and Lasley made it 3-0 with a powerful drive after Shuker’s shot was blocked on the edge of the area.

Gazapo threatened to add a fourth late on before Brechin pulled one back with only a few minutes to play. A cross from the left landed at the feet of sub Jamie Redman and his shot looked to be comfortable for Randolph but a wicked deflection took it high into the corner to give the hosts a consolation they probably deserved.

Motherwell: Randolph, Saunders, Hammell, Reynolds, Craigan, Jennings, Lasley, Forbes (Halsman 83), Shuker, Murphy (Sutton 22), Gazapo. Subs not used: Hollis, Hutchinson, Page, Meechan, McHugh.