BESIKTAS HAVE THE ACCOLADE IN THE BAGG'

BARRY BAGGLEY admits Turkish giants Besiktas are the best team he has ever faced.

- BY GARRY DOYLE

The former Northern Ireland Under-21 international faced off against Spain and France at international level but while they impressed, Besiktas stunned.

That was so evident in 45 tortuous minutes last week when the tie was killed before halftime. In the end St Pat's lost 4-1 to make tonight's second leg in Istanbul a formality.

"They were a step above what we have previously played in this competition," said Baggley.

"In fact they are the best I have played against. Spain Under-21s, France Under-21s were good.

"But when you step up to this level, the touch is quicker, the physicality is more noticeable, they are just bigger and faster.

"That is what allows them to operate at such a high level.

"But even though they have the big lead, we want to give a good account of ourselves.

"We want to go in with a good attitude and while it will be tough to overturn the deficit, we are not going to let them have things their own way.