FC UTRECHT coach Ton du Chatinier admits Liverpool pose far more difficult Europa League opposition than the Celtic team disposed of earlier in the competition.
But the Dutchman, with a little help from the other half of the Old Firm, hopes his side will draw inspiration from playing the five-time European champions.
Du Chatinier knows tonight’s encounter will be tough, especially as counterpart Roy Hodgson has brought almost a full-strength squad.
As a result they have explored every avenue available to them in their preparations, including assistant manager Jan Wouters calling in a favour from his former Rangers manager Alex McLeish, now at Liverpool’s Premier League rivals Birmingham.
“Liverpool are a better team than Celtic, with all respect,” said the Utrecht coach.
“We have asked people in England and Jan has spoken to Alex McLeish.
“We’ve watched Liverpool’s home game against Steaua Bucharest (a 4-1 win) and the match at Manchester United (a 3-2 defeat).”
Ghanian midfielder Nana Asare will miss tonight’s game through injury but striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel, who has scored six times in seven Europa League matches, will play.
