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Tom Hateley has set his sights on an extended Europa League campaign with Motherwell this season.

If the Steelmen can overcome Breidablik in Iceland they will face Norweigan Cup holders Aaelsund FK in the next round.

It would be another tough test but Hateley insists such European encounters are what every player lives for.

“We believe we can go out there and win the game,” he said. “It’s not a case of shutting up shop. We believe we can go to Iceland and get one, two or three goals.

“I signed just after the Steaua Bucharest tie last season and missed the campaign, so I’m enjoying every moment this year.”

“Everyone wants to play European football and we would love the opportunity to play such a big club from Norway but beating the Icelanders is all we’re focused on for now.

“Something you don’t get often is the chance to play in Europe and you want to play the best – the tough draw that allows you to test yourself and do yourself justice.”

Hateley concedes that the Steelmen were not at their best in the first leg against Breidablik, especially in front of goal, as they only garnered a one goal lead despite dominating much of the game.

Far from being discouraged by the missed chances, the midfielder believes ‘Well can take heart from the performance against a side well into their domestic season.

“We aren’t disappointed with how last week turned out. It could have been three or four considering the chances we had but it’s not as if the match finished 1-1 or 2-2.

“We would have liked to take a bigger advantage abroad as we expect it to be a tough game. But we said in the first game the most important thing was to keep a clean sheet – which we did, and we believe that we will go over there and score.

“It’s a different challenge to play a team which is far into its domestic season. Usually everyone is at the same level of fitness but when you a play a team which has started earlier they seem so sharp and can read the game better than us.

“It’s something we just have to get on with, and certainly not anything we would ever complain about – because we are getting to play European football.”

Craig Brown is confident his side can complete the job against Breidablik in the second-leg of the Europa League tie.

Motherwell take a 1-0 lead to Iceland on Thursday night with a place in the Third Qualifying Round at stake.

And having dominated much of the first-leg at Fir Park, Brown is hopeful the Steelmen can progress.

“I am very confident about scoring over there,” he said. “We are not going there to go backs-to-the-wall and hold out for 90 minutes. We are going up there to play them properly and hopefully we can do that.

“We did an efficient – not brilliant – job in the first game, and I’d like to think we are capable of a similarly efficient victory away from home.

“If we manage to score in Iceland – which I expect, and hope, we can do – it will take three goals to beat us, and I’d like to think we are not going to concede three goals. We are in good shape mentally and we’ll all do our best.”

Brown refused to panic after watching his side pass up some greats chances to put the tie to bed at Fir Park and thinks that another week of training allied with a competitive fixture has given his side the sharpness they need.

“It would have been wonderful if we had converted our chances in the first game,” the boss conceded, “but they had a couple of good chances too and we have a lot of respect for our opposition.

“There was a calm assurance about us in the first-leg and we were satisfied, particularly because there were no goals against us. 1-0 is a much better result than 2-1 or 3-2.

“Our match last week was our first competitive match of the season, and the players have benefited from a hard-fought match. The lads will feel that themselves – they were saying that they now feel really ready for taking on a good challenge.

“I anticipate an offensive game from our opponents. They will come out and try to create chances and we hope to minimise those chances to as few as possible.

“They will throw people forward, although we expect them to play with one of front we can expect very quick support to the striker Finnbogason and the full-backs.

“Our players all have experience in big matches and big crowds at home but it is a different challenge up there – a little more eerie if you like, with the running track and the vast expanses behind each goal. It’s not the environment they are used to and my only worry is that they take a minute or two to settle.”

If ‘Well can negotiate this trip to Iceland they will come up against Norweigan side Aalesund FK in the Third Qualifying Round.

It would be another good chance to progress in the competition and Brown is well aware of the benefits of getting through.

“European football can be a carrot to some players. Certainly if we can get through this round it might give us a little added income to pay a new player – not necessarily to buy him but to pay a wage.

“To do well in Europe could mean enough added funds top get some new players in and that’s a massive incentive. The players, staff, and fans would love to see us do well for the prestige but also for some new signings.”

Should Motherwell overcome Breidablik in the Second Qualifying Round of the Europa League they will face Aalesunds FK of Norway.

Craig Brown’s side take a 1-0 lead going into the second-leg next week and have a good chance of making it through to the next round.

Aalesunds lie in wait following today’s draw in Nyon and they are sure to provide another tough test.

The Norwegians qualified for the tournament as domestic cup winners and they are currently fourth in the Tippeligaen after 16 games.

The first-leg of the third qualifying round is due to take place on Thursday 29th July, with the return leg a week later on 5th August.

If Motherwell do complete the job against Breidablik they will be away from home first. Aalesunds play at the Color Line Stadion (capacity 10,788) which is one of the few in Norway to have an artificial pitch.

Motherwell boss Craig Brown was happy with the 1-0 victory over Breidablik in the Europa League Second Qualifying Round First Leg.

A Ross Forbes goal just after the hour mark secured a tight victory for the Steelmen and Brown is confident that his side can finish the job in Iceland.

“I’d like to think I’m used to taking teams to Europe and getting results, and I hope that the emphasis I put on not conceding serves us well.” he said.

“I’m happy we didn’t concede. That is the most important thing in Europe and I now expect them to attack at home, and perhaps commit their fullbacks further forward. That will suit us fine with the pace of Chris Humphrey and Jamie Murphy to exploit their offensive play.

“We have been to difficult places. These lads have been to Glasgow to play the Old Firm and they have gone to Edinburgh for tough games there. These are places where you have to pull out all the stops, so we are used to difficult encounters.”

A significantly larger margin of victory would not have flattered the hosts and ‘Well will perhaps look back on a string of missed opportunities and half-chances ahead of the trip to Iceland.

Brown believes that the profligacy of his side had more to do with a lack of match sharpness, rather than any fault of his forwards.

“We missed a number of chances in the first half,” the manager admitted after the game. “But then again their coach will point out that they missed two good chances at the beginning of the second half.

“I think we could have been ahead earlier – certainly when you look at the number of good balls into the box we put in. Perhaps the sharpness in front of goal wasn’t there.

“This match will help the sharpness and help the fitness of the players. We’ve had three friendlies but we have to concede that competitive football is completely different in terms of the requirements.”

Despite being outplayed for much of the evening, Breidablik could have put a very different hue on the score-line had they taken their chances just after the break. One effort wide and a shot which hit the post illustrated the danger the Icelandic table-toppers pose – a fact Brown is aware of.

“I thought the opposition conducted themselves very well and played very well.” he added. “So all-in-all I think it was an excellent game for our lads to play in.”

The Motherwell boss was full of praise for Gary Smith who came on in the second half to make his senior debut. Brown believes the young striker has a big future ahead of him, along with a few others coming through the ranks at Fir Park.

“We brought on big Gary Smith, and it’s a tall order to come into a game like this, but he was the leading scorer in the U19s league last year and is one for the future.

“I thought he came on and looked comfortable and laid the ball on for others. We have young talents like him; Saunders and Hutchison on the bench ready to come in.”

Pictures from the 1-0 victory over Breidablik in the Europa League Second Qualifying Round first-leg. These action shots and more are available to buy online at www.motherwellpics.com.

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[tab:Match report]

Ross Forbes scored the only goal of the game to give Motherwell a narrow first-leg advantage in the Europa League Second Qualifying Round tie with Breidablik.

The midfielder found the net with a low shot on 63 minutes after his corner was cleared back to him.

It was no more than the home side deserved as they dominated much of the game at Fir Park.

John Sutton, Jamie Murphy and Forbes himself all passed up opportunities in a one-sided first-half.

Breidablik had chances of their own at the start of the second-half but Craig Brown’s side recovered to take a slim lead to Iceland next week.

Darren Randolph was handed a debut goal but the new keeper barely had a save to make in the opening 45 mintues as Motherwell took the game to the Icelanders.

Sutton had the first real chance on 17 minutes when Keith Lasley deflected a Steven Hammell cross into his path. The striker tried to get a shot on goal but Elfar Helgason scrambled the ball away.

The danger wasn’t over for Breidablik just yet though as, from the resulting throw-in, Forbes whipped in a fantastic cross for Murphy who saw his low shot saved by Ingvar Kale. Murphy then tried his luck from range but his rising shot flew harmlessly over the bar.

Breidablik had offered very little going forward but Gudmundur Petursson somehow found himself  in behind the Motherwell defence, only to shoot wide under pressure from Mark Reynolds.

It was a wake-up call for the Steelmen and they certainly took notice as they went on to control the rest of the half. Firstly, Forbes headed over from a Tom Hateley cross before Chris Humphrey flashed a dangerous ball across the face of goal.

Motherwell were getting plenty of joy in the wide areas and another Hateley cross caused problems for the Breidablik defence.

As the interval approach, the home side continued to dominate possession and Murphy made good strides into the opposing box before seeing his shot blocked by Kale.

Sutton then delivered a dangerous ball into the box but unfortunately no-one in claret and amber could apply a finishing touch.

The Steelmen made a slow start to the second-half however, and they were nearly punished by Breidablik who had two great chances within moments of the restart.

Gudmundor Kristkansson got himself on the end of a free-kick but his cushioned volley was just too hard for his teammates on the six-yard line. Kristinn Steindorsson then hit the outside of the post from close range after Kari Arsaelsson’s header inside the box.

It was a let-off for Motherwell but they composed themselves and regained control of the match. Forbes fired a warning shot on 52 minutes from a 25-yard free-kick and Hateley almost caught out Kale with an inswinging effort shortly after.

The decisive moment came on 63 minutes when Hammell returned the ball to Forbes on the right-wing after his initial corner was cleared. The midfielder cut inside and curled a low shot towards goal which just evaded substitute Gary Smith but nestled into the bottom corner.

Sutton had a chance to double the lead late on when he got himself on the end of a Murphy cross but his header went over the bar.

And substitute Steven Saunders also went close when his far post header from a Hateley corner was blocked in front of goal.

Breidablik saw out the final few minutes meaning Motherwell will take a single goal lead to Iceland next week for the second-leg.

[tab:As it happened]

90+2′ FULL-TIME The referee blows the full-time whistle.

90+2′ Kale (Breidablik) makes a save.

90+2′ Saunders (Motherwell) has an effort on goal.

90+2′ Saunders (Motherwell) takes the free-kick.

90′ Smith (Motherwell) fouls.

89′ Hateley (Motherwell) takes the corner.

89′ Hateley (Motherwell) takes the corner.

88′ Sigurgeirsson (Breidablik) commits a foul after challenging Jennings (Motherwell).

87′ Sutton (Motherwell) misses the target.

86′ Elisabetarson (Breidablik) commits a foul after challenging Lasley (Motherwell).

84′ Sigurgeirsson (Breidablik) commits a foul after challenging Smith (Motherwell).

84′ Jonsson (Breidablik) takes the free-kick.

83′ Hammell (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Adalsteinsson (Breidablik).

82′ Sutton (Motherwell) is flagged for offside.

81′ Elisabetarson (Breidablik) commits a foul after challenging Lasley (Motherwell).

78′ Murphy (Motherwell) misses the target.

78′ Randolph (Motherwell) makes a save.

78′ Jonsson (Breidablik) has an effort on goal.

78′ Jonsson (Breidablik) takes the free-kick.

77′ Jennings (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Finnbogason (Breidablik).

75′ Petursson (Breidablik) commits a foul after challenging Craigan (Motherwell).

75′ Murphy (Motherwell) is flagged for offside.

74′ Sutton (Motherwell) is flagged for offside.

73′ SUB Sigurgeirsson (in) – Steindorsson (out) (Breidablik)

72′ SUB Saunders (in) – Forbes (out) (Motherwell)

72′ Margeirsson (Breidablik) commits a foul after challenging Sutton (Motherwell).

70′ Forbes (Motherwell) misses the target.

70′ Hateley (Motherwell) takes the free-kick.

69′ Kristjansson (Breidablik) commits a foul after challenging Smith (Motherwell).

67′ Elisabetarson (Breidablik) fouls.

64′ Sutton (Motherwell) misses the target.

64′ Forbes (Motherwell) takes the corner.

63′ GOAL Forbes (Motherwell) scores with a low shot from outside the box.

62′ Forbes (Motherwell) takes the corner.

62′ Forbes (Motherwell) takes the corner.

59′ SUB Smith (in) – Humphrey (out) (Motherwell)

58′ Sutton (Motherwell) misses the target.

58′ Forbes (Motherwell) takes the corner.

58′ Kale (Breidablik) makes a save.

58′ Hateley (Motherwell) has an effort on goal.

58′ Hateley (Motherwell) takes the free-kick.

57′ Adalsteinsson (Breidablik) commits a foul after challenging Humphrey (Motherwell).

55′ Petursson (Breidablik) commits a foul after challenging Reynolds (Motherwell).

54′ Humphrey (Motherwell) misses the target.

53′ Humphrey (Motherwell) takes the free-kick.

53′ Helgason (Breidablik) commits a foul after challenging Sutton (Motherwell).

52′ Elisabetarson (Breidablik) takes the corner.

49′ Jennings (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Finnbogason (Breidablik).

48′ Steindorsson (Breidablik) misses the target.

48′ Elisabetarson (Breidablik) takes the free-kick.

47′ Craigan (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Petursson (Breidablik).

47′ Jonsson (Breidablik) takes the free-kick.

46′ Forbes (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Finnbogason (Breidablik).

46′ KICK-OFF The second half begins.

45′ HALF-TIME The referee blows for half-time.

45′ Sutton (Motherwell) misses the target.

43′ Craigan (Motherwell) misses the target.

43′ Kale (Breidablik) makes a save.

43′ Murphy (Motherwell) has an effort on goal.

41′ Steindorsson (Breidablik) commits a foul after challenging Hateley (Motherwell).

37′ Randolph (Motherwell) makes a save.

37′ Steindorsson (Breidablik) has an effort on goal.

34′ Kristjansson (Breidablik) commits a foul after challenging Lasley (Motherwell).

33′ Sutton (Motherwell) misses the target.

27′ Elíiabetarson (Breidablik) takes the free-kick.

27′ Reynolds (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Kristjansson (Breidablik).

27′ Forbes (Motherwell) misses the target.

24′ Petursson (Breidablik) misses the target.

23′ Murphy (Motherwell) misses the target.

19′ Kristjansson (Breidablik) misses the target.

19′ Elisabetarson (Breidablik) delivers the corner.

19′ Petursson (Breidablik) has a shot blocked.

18′ Kale (Breidablik) makes a save.

18′ Murphy (Motherwell) has an effort on goal.

18′ Kale (Breidablik) makes a save.

18′ Sutton (Motherwell) has an effort on goal.

17′ Kale (Breidablik) makes a save.

17′ Humphrey (Motherwell) has an effort on goal.

16′ Humphrey (Motherwell) delivers the corner.

15′ Elisabetarson (Breidablik) takes the free-kick.

14′ Hateley (Motherwell) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Kristjansson (Breidablik).

12′ Randolph (Motherwell) makes a save.

12′ Finnbogason (Breidablik) has an effort on goal.

12′ Elíiabetarson (Breidablik) takes the free-kick.

12′ Craigan (Motherwell) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Kristjansson (Breidablik).

11′ Petursson (Breidablik) has a shot blocked.

9′ Murphy (Motherwell) misses the target.

6′ Finnbogason (Breidablik) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Murphy (Motherwell).

4′ Petursson (Breidablik) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Craigan (Motherwell).

2′ Elisabetarson (Breidablik) takes the free-kick.

2′ Jennings (Motherwell) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Kristjansson (Breidablik).

1′ Jennings (Motherwell) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Finnbogason (Breidablik).

1′ KICK OFF The match is under way.

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell boss Craig Brown:

“I’m happy we didn’t concede, which is important in Europe. One of the prime objectives was to make sure we kept a clean sheet.

“You could see the emphasis I put on not conceding. We usually bring Mark Reynolds up for corner-kicks, but because of his pace at the back, tonight we didn’t.

“I thought the opposition conducted themselves very well and played very well. So all-in-all I think it was an excellent game for our lads to play in.

“We missed a number of chances in the first half but then again their coach will point out that they missed two good chances at the beginning of the second half.

“I think we could have been ahead earlier – certainly when you look at the number of good balls into the box we put in. Perhaps the sharpness in front of goal wasn’t there.

“This match will help the sharpness and help the fitness of the players. We’ve had three friendlies but we have to concede that competitive football is completely different.”

Breidablik manager Olafur Kristjansson:

“We started a bit nervous. Motherwell came at us with a lot of pressure and they put crosses into the box.

“It was our first European match – only two players have played matches like that for their club. But to be 1-0 down, I’m quite pleased after 90 minutes.

“We were unlucky to hit the post but we’ll be more confident in the second leg. We have the second game at home and we need to take our chances in that match.”

Motherwell goalscorer Ross Forbes:

“I just tried to put a cross into the box but get it on target at the same time. It’s managed to creep in at the back post and no one else was claiming it so I will.

“I’m delighted because it was an important goal for us, especially as we had missed a few good chances.

“I always felt the goal was coming and I was pleased to get it.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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‘Well fans should be aware that only a limited food service will be available at tonight’s game with Breidablik following the clubs’ decision to bring the kiosks back in-house last week.

The transition period is currently in process and Chief Executive Leeann Dempster said, “We would ask for your patience as there is much to do this evening. There will be a limited selection of hot and cold drinks and snacks available.

“There will be positive changes to come and I am confident you’ll see the kiosks develop over the course of the season.

“Once again, thanks for your patience tonight.”

Motherwell director Stewart Robertson was elected to the SPL Board today following the AGM at Hampden.

He was joined by Ralph Topping, who was nominated for the position of Chairman for the second successive season. Eric Riley of Celtic was the third person to be elected and will form part of the six-man Board of Directors.

Rod Petrie (Hibernian) and Stewart Gilmour (St Mirren) were also re-elected by the clubs to complete the Board.

Duncan Fraser (Aberdeen) and Martin Bain (Rangers) stepped down after 18 months’ and two years’ service respectively.

Ralph Topping, Chairman, said: “On behalf of the Board and the Clubs I would like to thank Duncan and Martin for their time and valued input during their terms.

“It’s been a challenging year for Scottish football.  But with our strategic review of the league underway, the SPL is actively looking to respond to those challenges in the season ahead.”

John Sutton admits he cannot wait to get back to competitive action against Breidablik on Thursday night and right some of the European wrongs from previous years.

This match kicks off a remarkable third consecutive season in Europe for Motherwell and the big striker thinks the club are now ready to impose themselves on this seasons Europa League.

“The one regret since I’ve been here is that perhaps we haven’t done ourselves justice in Europe,” said Sutton. “If we are going to get beaten then you have to go down fighting and impose yourself on the opposition – and I don’t think we’ve done that in previous years. This year we want to do that.

“We went to Bucharest last season and the atmosphere was amazing. “We are desperate for a good run in the Europa League and there is a real allure of a top tie in the later rounds.”

Sutton dismissed any thoughts that Breidablik will be an unknown quantity and insisted ‘Well will go into the game knowing all about the talented Icelandic side.

“The manager and Greg have done a fantastic job getting information on the opposition for us,” Sutton continued. “So we know they are a very good team and we know that they are top of the league – but just like every other game we are focusing on ourselves and we know if we play to our best then we can go through.

“I’m not surprised Breidablik are confident. They are in great form and are three months into their season. It’s going to be a very tough game for us.”

For the second successive season Motherwell find themselves back playing competitive football in mid-July. Last season rustiness was apparent as Welsh part-timers Llanelli came to Fir Park and won 1-0, but Sutton isn’t worried about a repeat this time round.

“You would prefer to play a couple of league games first but we are feeling pretty good. Pre-season training with Craig and Archie has gone very well – we have played a couple of practice matches and we hope to hit the ground running tomorrow night.

“From the training and management point of view we are much more prepared compared last year at this stage, although obviously we have a similar problem in the sense that there have been a few personnel changes in key positions.

“But to be honest I’m looking forward to the match. I’m not a big fan of pre-season matches – I would rather get straight into matches that mean something. Hopefully we can get a win under our belts and go on a tidy little run.”

With another July start, season 2010/11 promises to be another long one for the Motherwell squad, but Sutton hopes a good result in this Europa Cup tie can prove to be a springboard to another successful SPL season for the club – and personally.

The arrival of Craig Brown and Archie Knox turned round an ailing season last year, propelling the club to the top-six finish which made European football a possibility, and culminating in a 14-goal haul for 26-year-old. Sutton wants more of the same in the duo’s first full season.

“We want to replicate what we achieved in the second half of last season under Craig and Archie,” added Sutton. “For a club of Motherwell’s size another top-six finish would be great and to be involved in a cup run would be brilliant.

“We aren’t looking any further forward than the Breidablik tie but I think we showed last season that on our day we can beat anyone, though we can lose to anyone as well!

“Personally, they say you reach your peak approaching 30, and I’ve still got some time before that, so I hope to keep improving and scoring goals. I really enjoy my football here with my teammates and Craig and Archie, so fingers crossed it can be another good season.”

Craig Brown expects his Motherwell side to rise to the challenge of representing the nation on Thursday night against Breidablik.

The former Scotland boss illustrated that national pride does not dissipate when you leave the top job as he proclaimed: “This represents a terrific opportunity for us to represent Scotland, and to be the flagship of the nation at this point in time.

“We are always extremely optimistic, ahead of any match.” continued Brown. “We don’t want to let Scotland down, we don’t want to let North Lanarkshire down – so expect a fighting, aggressive, enthusiastic Motherwell team on Thursday.”

Despite this tie coming very early for the Steelmen, he concedes that his side will probably be considered favourites.

“They seem to think we are favourites, but it’s not a tag I like.” Brown smiled. “I’ve revelled in the underdog tag with Scotland, because you go away and play big teams that you are not expected to beat.

“I prefer to be the underdog, but if we are considered favourites then so be it. We will have to deal with that and shoulder the extra responsibility that comes from that.”

Breidablik approach the game at Fir Park in the form of their lives. They are the current Icelandic cup holders and find themselves top of their domestic league for the first time in 25 years.

Brown has had his old pal Jocky Scott over on the remote island watching them play and he has no doubts about what lies in store for the Steelmen.

“We are probably expected to win, but they have some very, very good players. Jocky Scott has been over watching them, and he has confirmed exactly that.

“They have a good, home-bred squad. My experience of Icelandic players is that they are very quick, athletic and disciplined. So we expect to face those attributes, and I gather they are very dangerous on the counter attack. We have to guard against the away goal.”

Much of the talk ahead of this tie has centred on the fact Breidablik are three months into their season, while Motherwell have only been back in training for a couple of weeks. To his credit, the manager has consistently dismissed this excuse and firmly believes his team are ready to compete.

“We are ready. People keep saying that it is too early in the season, but we have trained exceptionally hard to get ready. Archie is superb with the players in pre-season.”

Motherwell can boast some decent European nous to go with that fitness. This is the third season on the trot the Steelmen will compete in continental football and the players are starting to rack up some excellent experience.

The likes of Stephen Craigan, Mark Reynolds and Keith Lasley have been stalwarts in recent European campaigns. Even young Jamie Murphy is only a goal away from breaking Stevie Kirk’s European goals record. Brown believes this could be the key to success.

“We have some good experience.” he said. “Stephen Craigan has 48 caps for Northern Ireland, Bob McHugh and Steven Saunders were away with Billy Stark’s Scotland U21 squad in Croatia and Mark Reynolds has only missed one game in two years. So we have a modicum of European experience.

“Archie and I have been on a few European adventures ourselves. It’s nothing new to many of us, but it is another exciting episode and hopefully it will be an exciting one for Motherwell.

“Our objective has to be to get through to the group stages. Then we can start to focus on the final!”