Don't freeze in Iceland Blues

Opponents KR Reykjavík, based in the capital, Reykjavík, will be a real test, but manager Gary Hamilton has experience of playing them before when he was with Glentoran.

“They are a decent side,” said Gary. “They have qualified for Europe for the last seven seasons and have also managed to get through a couple of rounds so we know it will be difficult.

“I played against them with Glentoran and they beat us 3-0 out there. We played 4-5-1 in a bid to keep it tight but that only invited them on and they were very strong and a constant threat from set-pieces.

“We drew 2-2 with them at The Oval and had a number of chances to win the game, but the damage was done in Iceland.

“However, we will be positive and do our very best to keep the tie alive and hopefully that will give us something to play for at home. I would have preferred to be at home first, but that is all down to the luck of the draw. We have a team that can score goals and it will be more important than ever to make the most of set-pieces. A quality ball into the box and a player who is brave and determined to get on the end of it can make all the difference.

“An away goal would be huge and hopefully we can take any chances that might come our way.”

Fingers crossed the Lurgan Blues will not freeze in Iceland and clinch a result that will set up a cracking second leg in Lurgan. The winners of the tie will be at home to Grasshoppers Zurich on July 14.