Shropshire Star

The New Saints targeting European comeback

Scott Ruscoe is backing The New Saints to rekindle their Champions League ambitions in tonight’s first qualifying round second leg against FC Europa.

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A disappointing 2-1 first leg defeat at home to the Gibraltarians has left the Saints in real danger of bowing out of this year’s competition at the first hurdle, writes John Bridgwater.

The Welsh Premier champions are under no illusions they have it all to do in this evening’s return leg (6.30pm) which will be played in searing temperatures at the imposing Estadio Algarve stadium in Faro, Portugal. But interim manager Ruscoe is confident his side can still turn the tie around after failing to deliver in the first leg.

“We’ve dusted ourselves down, and the players know they need to do better,” he said. “Nearly everyone was below par last week, it was an off night, not the TNS I’m used to. It was all the more disappointing that it happened in a massive game in the Champions League.

“But we’re ready to go again now, we’ve worked hard in training this week, and I’m confident we will be 20-30 per cent better.

“We know what to expect, and the fact they are having to play in Portugal on a ground they are not used to gives us a real chance.

Watch Steve Saunders talk ahead of the clash with Europa FC.

“If we play to our true potential, it is still a game we are capable of winning. We’ll be positive and I’m sure we will get chances.

“But we’ve got to be better in and out of possession. We knew they would be quick on the counter, and both their goals came from our mistakes when we gave away possession high up the pitch.

“I was disappointed because that’s not a true reflection of how TNS play and how we’ve done in Europe over the last few years.

“The Champions League is what we strive to play in year after year, so to perform like that hurts me.”

After studying footage of the game, Ruscoe is pondering changes to the side – but left-back Chris Marriott remains on the sidelines.

The Saints have reached the second qualifying round for the past five seasons, and will hope to turn the tie around and set up a meeting with Croatian champions HNK Rijeka in the next stage.

Tonight’s tie is being played in Faro, Portugal, as FC Europa’s Victoria Stadium failed an inspection by UEFA.

Midfielder Chris Seargeant will miss the game after being involved in a minor car accident. He did not travel after suffering whiplash.