FOOTBALL: Jeffrey relishing Danish test
LINFIELD boss David Jeffrey believes his players are in "fantastic shape" ahead of their Europa League showdown with Randers.
The first qualifying round, first leg clash at the Essex Stadium on Thursday night is the latest crunch European test for Jeffrey.
Last summer the Big Two giants almost caused a massive upset against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League, only falling to a 3-1 aggregate defeat.
This time it is Danish Superliga side Randers - who are managed by former Arsenal star John Jensen - who provide the opening hurdle in Linfield's latest Euro assault.
"Randers we know were fifth in their league last season. We know they gained entry to the competition by virtue of Fair Play and we know they're a pretty impressive side," the Blues boss said.
"But our own preparation has been going well. The players were back earlier than ever and I've got to say that great credit goes to them all as they've come back in fantastic shape. Very, very few were carrying any weight and in fact, some people have even lost weight since the end of last season. I'm very pleased with our preparations.
"We don't know too much about the Danish side, as yet. We're obviously trying to gather as much info about them as we possibly can. We know they're pretty newly formed. I think they came together in January 2003 so we've a lot of that type of information gathered in.
"We want to try and get as much video footage of them playing and we're going through our media contacts to see if that is possible."
Jeffrey has been forced to leave Michael Gault back in Belfast, the 26-year-old is struggling with a hamstring injury.
There are also doubts over defender Conor Hagan and strikers Mark McAllister and Paul Munster.
"On this trip I've got to take players who are fully fit as it's going to be an tough game," Jeffrey added.
"Randers played Welsh team Llanelli a few seasons, ago and although Llanelli got a credible result out there, when they got back to Wales they were well beaten 5-1. So Randers are an extremely fit and strong side.
"We're going to have to be as best as we can in terms of our physical shape for these games. We're not carrying any suspension into this game so everyone is available for selection."
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 29 May 2012
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