Mac ready for Gunners test

FC Twente boss believes draw was 'fate'

By James Dall   Last updated: 1st August 2008

Mac ready for Gunners test

McClaren: Gunners test

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FC Twente manager Steve McClaren is eagerly anticipating facing Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round.

Friday's draw placed McClaren's Eredivisie side against The Gunners with a place in the lucrative group stages at stake.

The former England and Middlesbrough boss is expecting a 'very tough' test when he takes on Arsene Wenger's Arsenal, but is excited by the challenge.

He told Sky Sports News: "I think of all the teams we could have had, that is the toughest - or one of the toughest.

"Obviously we looked at Arsenal, Liverpool, Juventus, Schalke and we got one of the most difficult.

"In one respect it's a tough draw for us; on the other it's now an opponent we know very well, not just myself, everyone in Holland knows the Premier League well so Arsenal will be no strangers to us.

Fate

"This is a reward for a great achievement last season in reaching this stage, to get one of the big teams.

"It will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that doesn't come along that often. I'm sure the fans will be delighted."

He added: "I expected one of the English teams. I think fate deals you certain cards and it has dealt us this draw.

"On one hand it's very, very tough for us but on the other it is very exciting."