25/08/2004

Glens confident despite uphill struggle

Glentoran manager Roy Coyle feels his side can upset the odds and knock Elfsborg out of Thursday night's second round second leg Uefa Cup qualifying tie in Sweden.

The Belfast side go into the game 1-0 down having conceded a late goal in their first leg tie at the Oval two weeks ago.

"We are not expected to go through and I understand that," Coyle said.

"Elfsborg are a full-time outfit with a big budget and lots of quality players. It is going to be an uphill battle but I would not rule anything out with my team."

A result similar to their 2-1 success away to first round opponents Allianssi would be enough to see the Glens go through, and Glentoran captain, Paul Leeman is confident it can be done.

"We beat Allianssi 2-1 in Finland in the last round and the same score would do again," Leeman said.

"Elfsborg stole the first leg with a late goal. We know what we have to do and hopefully can perform."

Glentoran have the chance of facing Newcastle, Parma or Lazio in the next round if they are successful in Thursday's game.

(MB)

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