Drogheda eye Euro upset

Mick Cooke is planning a major upset in the Swedbank Stadium tonight as his Drogheda United side face Malmo in the second leg of their Europa League Cup first qualifying round tie (agg 0-0, 6pm Irish time).

The Boynesiders, who held the Swedish giants to a 0-0 draw in Tallaght Stadium last week, trained at the impressive 25,000-capacity arena last night, with no fresh injury worries.

The game has attracted little attention in Malmo, with many of their fans expecting a big win, but Cooke believes his team — who will be cheered on by about 150 travelling supporters — won’t be found wanting.

Speaking last night, he said: “It’s only half-time and I feel overall we had the better chances than Malmo in the first leg.

“In saying that, I know they are a very, very good side. Even if it turns out we’re losing by a goal the thing is that as long as it stays 1-0 and we equalise, we would go through on the away goals.

“Even to concede a goal I will be happy to play the game out and hopefully get an equaliser and go through on the away goals rule.

“So, I think there’s massive pressure on Malmo. They’re a big club and you see what facilities they have.”

The winners of this tie face Pat Fenlon’s Hibernian in the next round and Cooke believes the winners tonight could upset the Scots.

“I just feel whoever wins has a very good chance of progressing as Hibernian are still only in their pre-season and have only played a couple of games.”

Drogheda’s performance in Tallaght seemed to catch the Swedes by surprise and their captain Jiloan Hamad said: “I must admit that I have a greater respect for Drogheda now.

“We didn’t underestimate them in the last game, but it is always difficult when you don’t know the team.”