‘GREW INTO IT

Jamie’s right up for this game & warns against complacency

JAMIE MULGREW insists Linfield won’t be treating La Fiorita as a Paradise pushover ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash at Windsor Park. A high-profile, money-spinning showdown with Scottish champions Celtic lies in wait in the next round for the winners of this first round qualifier. And while the Blues are strong favourites to progress heading into tonight’s home leg in South Belfast, straight-talking captain Mulgrew is “taking nothing for granted” against the side from San Marino. Last year’s Ulster and NI Football Writers Player of the year warned: “You see all these things in the press about what’s coming next, but our full focus is on this tie. “Some people might think it’s a foregone conclusion, but it certainly isn’t. “If we don’t go into this game with the right mentality, it won’t happen for us. If you look around European football, there aren’t too many teams who are pushovers. I’d say all the teams in this first qualifying round are much of a muchness in terms of quality. “It’s crucial we have the right approach and mentality if we want to record a positive result.” Shunting the prospect of facing Celtic in the second qualifying round to one side, Mulgrew insists Linfield’s focus is always on progressing in Europe, no matter the opposition. The Big Two giants are set to pocket in the region of £700,000 if they can reach a second round shootout against the Bhoys, with the first leg pencilled in for Windsor Park on July 14. Mulgrew said: “Financially, it is a massive incentive for any Irish League team to make the next round. “I’ve been fortunate to progress a few times with Linfield in the past and that’s our aim. “Like a lot of European ties, it’ll be a step into the unknown. “We do have some info, but I think the most important thing is how we perform and go about our business.” While Linfield are huge favourites to progress to the next stage, Mulgrew says recent history is a reminder that “football is a funny game”. The midfielder was part of a Blues side that needed a penalty shootout to beat Faroe Islands outfit B36 in the Champions League in 2012. “We’ve ended up with egg on our face in the past so we’re taking nothing for granted,” he said. “A few years ago, we needed penalties to beat a Faroese side, so I know from experience how tough these games can be. “It won’t be easy, but it’s important we take something out of this game ahead of next week’s return leg. “That is of paramount importance to us.” La Fiorita are without influential captain Andy Selva who is ruled out of both legs with an Achilles injury.

PLAY IT AS YOU SEE IT Jamie Mulgrew won’t allow his mind to start thinking about clash with Celtic in the next round