FC Astra Ploiesti vs Inverness C.T. preview - Williams determined to progress
Posted Thursday, July 23, 2015 by PA
Inverness midfielder Danny Williams believes he has fought too hard for his chance to play in Europe to let it go without a fight.
Caley Thistle's Euopa League debut ended in a 1-0 defeat at home to Romanian side Astra last week as the hosts paid the price for losing a soft free-kick goal and failing to capitalise on some decent possession and chances.
They face the difficult task of winning in Romania against a side that knocked out Lyon on their way to the group stages last season.
But, with the prospect of a third qualifying-round clash with West Ham awaiting the winners, Inverness are desperate to keep their adventure going.
And, for a former FC United of Manchester and Chester player who arrived at Inverness from Kendal Town, Williams is not daunted by playing in temperatures in the mid-30s in Giurgiu as Caley Thistle aim to write another chapter in their history.
"It's a bit different from the Highlands I suppose, it's usually minus 30," the 27-year-old told Press Association Sport.
"But it's something we are looking forward to. We are not going over there for a holiday. We want to put a performance in and get through to the next round.
"It will be tough with the heat, it's something we are not used to, but we are looking forward to it.
"This is new to me, like it is for a lot of the lads. We all couldn't wait to get back for this game.
"We worked so hard for it last season, finishing third and winning the cup final, so we can get into Europe.
"We will go there and give 100 per cent and try to get a result."
Astra suffered a confidence blow ahead of the second leg when they lost 5-1 at home to Targu Mures, last season's runners-up, in the Romanian league.
And Williams takes encouragement from the first leg into the away clash.
"I thought we had the better chances," he said. "Apart from the set piece and when they hit the post, we limited their chances. We could have been a bit more clinical with our finishing but it's only half-time."
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