Manager George Burley approaches tonight's match knowing his side need to improve their strike rate in front of goal. "There have been a number of games when we could have been 3-0 up within half an hour but we have to put our hands up and say we haven't quite done it as far as picking up points is concerned; arguably we should have more."

Last season's manager of the year has even had to reassure his men that things will turn around. "Maybe one or two haven't performed at the same level as last season but that is sport and you don't always perform to the best of your ability and I have every confidence we can push up the league," he said.

Alun Armstrong and John McGreal are doubtful with back problems while Titus Bramble, scorer of that late leveller against Torpedo Moscow in the first round, is still absent and yesterday saw a specialist about his sore Achilles.