Europa League Preview: Glentoran vs. KR Reykjavík

Glentoran’s young and inexperienced side looked like mature professionals as they came away with a 0-0 draw against KR Reykjavík in Iceland.

Youngsters such as Kevin Bradley, Steven McCullough and Martin Murray made their competitive European debuts for the Glens but did not seem fazed by the big occasion, as they put in a valiant first leg performance which sees the East Belfast club with a great chance of qualifying for the next round.

Despite facing a KR Reykjavík side that are well into their domestic season, Glentoran looked well drilled as they successfully stuck to Eddie Patterson’s game plan of remaining reasonably defensive away from home but created good chances by hitting KR on the break.

While the Glens looked to be solid at the back, they did however appear to miss the decisive finishing of Andrew Waterworth, who left for rivals Linfield in the summer. In the return leg at The Oval, the East Belfast side will be looking towards former Linfield lads Marcus Kane and Mark Miskimmon in order to create attacking opportunities and goals.

With the tie set at 0-0, Eddie Patterson will be hoping for more clinical finishing from his side in the second leg as they look to progress to the next round of the Europa League qualifiers.

The Glens will expect a difficult game at The Oval but can take support from the fact that they secured a home victory in their last European campaign. After losing 2-1 away to Macedonian side FK Renova in 2011, Glentoran responded by winning their home leg 2-1, before securing the tie with a 3-2 win on penalties.

Should Glentoran progress, a glamour European tie in the form of Standard Liege awaits in the next round.

Glentoran face KR Reykjavík in the Europa League at The Oval on Thursday 11^th July (19.30 KO).