HEA WANTS A QUICK START

There’s Norway David’s men will let rivals run riot at Windsor Park

LINFIELD boss David Healy is plotting a fast start as the South Belfast club bids to make history against Rosenborg of Norway in the UEFA Champions League.

The Scandinavian giants have been the curse of club sides on both sides of the border on the Emerald Isle over the course of the past 33 years.

In nine European outings dating back to a 2-1 aggregate win over the Blues in the European Cup in 1986, Rosenborg have yet to lose a twolegged tie to Irish opposition.

Linfield and Crusaders have both lost twice to the Norwegians, while League of Ireland clubs Shelbourne, Bohemians, Sligo Rovers, Dundalk and Cork City have also fallen prey.

Healy, who confirmed the signing of French midfielder Bastien Hery yesterday, knows a positive result in tonight’s home leg is crucial if the Irish League champions are to change a dismal trend.

“Hopefully, we’re quick out of the traps,” he said. “The start of the game is going to be crucial and it’s important we close them down and put pressure on them.

“It’ll be a million miles an hour from the start and we have to be prepared for that. It’s important we turn up and perform to a high level.

“It’s Champions League football and I’ve told the players to make the most of it because you never know when you’ll get another chance at it.”

While Rosenborg lie mid-table 14 games into their league campaign, they have turned their form around with five wins i n their l ast six outings.

Th ey are al so ful l-time and boast a number of Norwegian internationals including goalkeeper Andre Hansen and defender Birger Meling.

“Rosenborg may have b een struggling a littl e bit i n th eir domestic league and they’re still a very good side,” said Healy.

“If we switch off or go chasing them willy-nilly rather than in a structured manner, they are good enough to pick us off.”

In 18 legs against Irish clubs in European competition, Rosenborg have won 13 times, drawn four and lost just once.

Linfield last clashed with them in the 2010 Champions League, drawing 0-0 at Windsor Park before losing 2-0 in Norway.