Fulham's Chris Baird admits they face a tough Europa League clash on Thursday against RNK Split.
Northern Ireland international wants a good run in Europa League
Fulham's Chris Baird admits they face a tough Europa League clash on Thursday against RNK Split but feels they will prevail.
The Cottagers will play the team from Croatia in the second leg at Craven Cottage having featured in a goalless draw last week.
Martin Jol's men have already dispatched of Faroese minnows NSI Runavik and Northern Ireland part-timers Crusaders.
But the Premier League outfit struggled badly last week and the Northern Ireland international agreed with Jol, who said he envisaged a tough second leg in the post-match press conference.
Myself
"I can see that myself as well," Baird told the club's
official website.
"I think the draw was a good result for us because they weren't a bad side. I'm not making excuses. The pitch was a big factor for us but they also made it a tough game.
"Now we'll be on our own surface, with our fans behind us and I would fully expect us to get the win."
Final
Fulham enjoyed a memorable run to the final of this competition in 2010 and while other clubs may be reluctant to partake in it, the west London outfit see it as a real fillip.
"It's been great to be in the Europa League again," he added.
"Obviously the results show that we are taking it seriously. We've had a few tough games but we have come through them."
