SQUAD CAN HOLD NERVE

FROM BACK PAGE

- 

three months ago with a draw against the top seeds in Copenhagen.

And now, as fans hold their breath in anticipation while counting down the hours to a 7.45pm kickoff, Clarke is adamant his big-time performers will not struggle to cope with the colossal weight of pressure and demands about to be placed squarely on their shoulders.

Asked if it is possible to insulate them from the building big-match anxiety, the manager said: “The players have got a job to do.

“If they are not nervous or excited by the challenge ahead, they wouldn't be at this level.

“They understand the magnitude of the game and what it means.

“But they just have to prepare for a game of football and make sure they are focused on how we want to play it.