Motherwell Up for the Fight

Motherwell manager Craig Brown has challenged his young side to cause a shock in the Europa League by overturning their 2-1 deficit against Odense.

Tom Hateley scored a vital away goal at the end of the first leg to improve Well’s chances of qualifying for the group stages of the competition in the Europa League odds. The goal has given Brown’s squad a chance despite being reduced to 10 men after Steven Jennings’ dismissal in Denmark.

There will be extra incentive for Motherwell as the Odense coach Lars Olsen has made some disrespectful comments about his opposition, claiming he has a far superior team and that they should have no problems overcoming the Scottish side. Olsen captained the Danish side to European Championship glory in 1992 and has been in charge of Odense since 2007.

The Lanarkshire club haven’t taken too kindly to Olsen’s comments, with striker Jamie Murphy stating: "Some of the things he's said have been disrespectful."

He went on to say: "They aren't bringing many supporters over with them and he (Olsen) claims that's because they want to save their money for the group matches but we'll see about that."

Motherwell will have the backing of a packed Fir Park and the crowd will be trying their best to create a hostile atmosphere for the Danish side. The club will be looking to fill as much of the 13,000+ capacity as they can in the hope of getting that famous 12th man behind them.

They will be without the suspended midfielder Jennings but will be confident of getting the right result on the night.

Both sides will be hoping to progress as far as possible in the Europa League and possibly set up a glamour tie with a side relegated from the Champions League. The Champions League odds are set to change with the draw for the group stages and both sides will hope they will be in Friday lunchtime’s Europa League draw.