Inverness C.T. vs FC Astra Ploiesti preview - Hughes relishing Europa mission - 7M sport

Inverness C.T. vs FC Astra Ploiesti preview - Hughes relishing Europa mission



Posted Thursday, July 16, 2015 by PA

Inverness manager John Hughes has a hunch his team are suited to European football - and he wants as many fans as possible to see if he is proved right.

Hughes has repeatedly called for the city and Highlands in general to come out and join the regular Caley Thistle fans when they make their Europa League debut against Romanian side Astra.

But he does not feel Inverness should settle for the one historic clash, against a side which drew against Celtic in the group stages last season.

Hughes feels his team can cause an upset in the second qualifying round tie, just as they did when beating Ronny Deila's side on their way to William Hill Scottish Cup glory last season.

Inverness also took four points off Celtic in the league and Hughes might well be right about their style of play. His side arguably keep the ball better than any side outside of Celtic and he wants them to keep a clean sheet against the Romanian side on Thursday night.

Hughes said: "It's absolutely massive, not just for us but for Scottish football as well. It's very historic for us.

"Ticket sales are going great and hopefully we get the full house.

"We're playing for Scottish football but first and foremost we are doing it for the Highlands. It's fantastic for the young fans and I imagine everyone would want to say they were there when Caley Thistle first played in Europe.

"I feel our style of play might suit Europe but we will find out tomorrow.

"We are capable of beating them. They are a good side, we respect them, they have a history of playing in European competition every year.

"They have signed 14 new players since they played Celtic. Away from home they like to counter-attack so we have to make sure our team shape is right. The most important thing is keeping a clean sheet. If we can keep a clean sheet and maybe nick one, then we are right in the tie.

"You have to be 100 per cent concentrated. Nine times out of 10 you are playing against technically very good players who play the game in a different style.

"They have got a free-kick specialist (Constantin Budescu) that likes to shoot from anywhere. We have to guard against giving away silly free-kicks around the penalty area."

Hughes has several unnamed injury doubts and has lost the influential Graeme Shinnie and Marley Watkins as well as Nigeria striker Edward Ofere. But he can field summer signings Nat Wedderburn, Jordan Roberts and Dani Lopez.

Meanwhile, Inverness have confirmed the appointment of Hughes' former Hibernian and Falkirk assistant, Brian Rice, to replace his departed number two, Russell Latapy.

Rice had been coaching in Qatar but has been with Caley Thistle during recent friendly games.

Hughes said: "I have always enjoyed working with Brian, he is a fantastic coach, probably the best I have worked with.

"He has great ideas and imagination on the game and the two of us complement each other.

"Russell will be sorely missed. He wants to be his own man. He had the chance just before he left to do that and it never quite worked out for him."



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