In for a tough night says Jeffrey

IF David Jeffrey’s fears unfold then Linfield are in for a battering from Champions League opponents BATE on Wednesday night.

The Blues are at home in the first leg, but the boss predicts a testing two games against a top team.

“I have been asked by a few people what can we expect to take into the second leg and to be honest we have little hope of going through.

“I’d be happy if we come out of the first leg losing 2-0, or 3-0. I am not being defeatist - more realistic. There is no point in me talking about we can do this or we can do that. The facts are there is a huge gulf between the sides and the players will be prepared as best we can,” said Jeffrey.

“When you qualify for the Champions League you really are looking for a good draw, something you can really have a go at, but this year we landed the top seeds. They have qualified for the group stages before and have faced teams like Everton, Benfica and Juventus. We have managed to get some DVD’s of them in action and we have done our homework as always, but it is going to be a tough, tough night.”

The Blues have finalised their plans for the away leg and organised a charter plane to take them direct from Belfast to Belarus.