Davies urging TNS to make Euro mark

Assistant boss Mike Davies believes The New Saints can finally buck the trend by securing long overdue success on the European stage.

Having fallen at the first hurdle in their previous 10 European attempts, the Saints flew out to Iceland this week in optimistic mood as they prepare to take on Fram Reykjavik tomorrow in the first qualifying round of the newly named Europa Cup.

Davies is not under-estimating the size of the task, but was heartened by what he saw on a spying mission to Iceland last week.

"They are obviously a decent side with a decent set-up, but having watched them I do feel we've got a good chance," he said after watching Fram lose 2-0 at home to high-flying FH Hafnarfjordur in the Pepsi-deildin domestic league.

"Looking at some of the sides we've played before in Europe, Fram don't look to be as strong, but having said that we need to go there and give our best.

"Although we're always at a disadvantage playing at this time of year, our preparations have gone well and we are confident."

"Tomorrow's first leg kicks off at 6pm, before the return takes place next Thursday at Oswestry's Park Hall – the first European match to be staged in Shropshire after the two clubs agreed to switch home and away games.

The Saints were today training in the Icelandic national stadium, the Laugardalsvollur, with defender Steve Evans and new signing Chris Seargeant expected to shake off injury niggles.

Meanwhile, former Chelsea youths Joe and Sam Tillen both ply their trade with Fram Reykjavik, and insist that the top eight teams in the domestic league could comfortably play in League Two while the top few would provide decent opposition in League One.

"I think the teams here try to play more football than in England, especially the lower leagues," said Sam.

"Most teams play 4-3-3 here too rather than 4-4-2."