Stuart McCall thinks facing some old friends when Fulham visit Fir Park on Saturday will be excellent preparation ahead of the Europa League qualifier.
The Steelmen will take on either Bangor City of Wales or Stjarnan of Iceland in the 2nd Qualifying Round next Thursday night at Fir Park.
Before that though, Felix Magath will bring his Fulham squad, containing former ‘Well players Shaun Hutchinson and Ross McCormack, to North Lanarkshire for an attractive looking pre-season friendly.
And the Scotland assistant coach hopes the stiff test his side will no doubt face will stand them in good stead ahead of the Steelmen’s eleventh Euro tie in the last six years.
[pullquote]The real importance of this fixture for us is to have a thorough test prior to our Europa League match.[/pullquote]
Speaking to the gathered press at a pre-match news conference, McCall said: “The real importance of this fixture for us is to have a thorough test prior to our Europa League match.
“Over the last few seasons we’ve been fortunate enough to have some good games here against the likes of Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle Utd and Everton, which has always stood us in good stead for the campaign ahead.
“So far we’ve played in four closed-door matches but this will obviously be a step up; we will go from being favourite to underdogs.
“However, whilst it might be nice to win these games, I must stress that it is not about the result, it’s about the preparation, getting people through what will be for some players their first 90 minutes.
“Obviously we are looking forward to welcoming back Shaun Hutchinson and Ross McCormack to Fir Park but the real matter is what we take from the match.”
Tickets for Saturday’s match with Fulham (2pm KO) are available on the gate priced at £10 for adults and £5 for juvenile/concessions.