‘Well boss Stuart McCall hopes he can get off the mark in Europe after three years of disappointment.
The Steelmen have been handed extremely tough draws in recent times with Greek giants Panathinaikos, La Liga cracks Levante and super-rich Russians Kuban Krasnodar the last three opponents, leading to consecutive eliminations.
Although tomorrow’s challengers might not have the same European reputation as the aforementioned, McCall is certain his side face a very difficult task.
Unbeaten Stjarnan sit second in the Úrvalsdeild after eleven matches, with six wins and five draws to their name.
And although the Fir Park boss has sounded a note of caution, he is desperate for his side to progress from the tie.
[pullquote]People will have us down as favourites but they are certainly no mugs. They are a well-drilled, fit, disciplined side. I’ve read in the paper that they will come here and sit-in, but they have attacking players who are more than capable of hurting us.[/pullquote]
Speaking to the gathered press at ‘Well’s pre-match news conference, he said: “We want to improve on the results we’ve had of late in Europe, however the standard of teams we have faced has been top notch.
“Having watched Stjarnan play, we all know it will be a tough, tough game.
“People will have us down as favourites but they are certainly no mugs. They are a well-drilled, fit, disciplined side. I’ve read in the paper that they will come here and sit-in, but they have attacking players who are more than capable of hurting us.
“We have got to learn our lesson from previous European games where we have been on top, then have been picked off on the counter-attack. Stjarnan are top scorers in the league and certainly possess a threat. Whether they want to sit-in or not, it’s part and parcel of the game, especially in European football.
“That said, we’re at home and the onus is on us to go and try to win the match. At this stage, I would take any sort of victory, regardless of the scoreline.”