Saints are determined to overturn Euro deficit in Portugal

INTERIM boss Scott Ruscoe remains confident The New Saints will overturn their 2-1 first leg deficit when they face Gibraltan champions Europa FC in Portugal tonight (6.30pm).

TNS have a mountain to climb if they are to reach the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League after a shock defeat at Park Hall last week – and must score at least twice to have any chance of avoiding elimination at the first hurdle.

The reigning Welsh champions were left stunned by goals in each half on the counter attack from Alex Quillo and Enrique Gómez Bernal, although Scott Quigley’s sublime individual effort ensures they remain in with a shout.

The second leg is being played at the Estádio Algarve due to UEFA’s concerns over the pitch at the Victoria Stadium in Gibraltar.

Ahead of the game, Ruscoe fully expects a response from his side.

He said: “We didn’t play as well as we can do, that was the biggest thing for me.

“But there’s been no big inquest, I know exactly what these players can do.

“They were below par and didn’t reach the levels of last season – they know that – but they’ll pick themselves up.

“On the night if we’d played to our potential we’d have at least come away with a draw; we didn’t play well but that would have been a fair result to be honest.

“Everyone’s allowed one off night as long as you put it right and we’re still very much in the tie.”

Ruscoe also believes the change in venue could help his side.

He added: “They’re supposed to be at home – but they’re not as it’s in Portugal.

“They aren’t used to the pitch or the stadium either, so really it’s a neutral venue for both teams.

“We’ll go into it positive, with no fear and looking to go at them and, hopefully, we can put last Tuesday behind us.

“There’s no point dwelling on it now, we’re going to give it a real go and it’s well within our grasp to go and score two or three goals.”

Croatian champions HNK Rijeka are awaiting the winners.