Michel relishing European test

This evening’s Europa League clash with Asteras Tripolis represents a couple of ‘firsts’ for goalkeeper Michel Vorm.

Not only is the Dutchman set for his European bow in our colours, but it’s also the first time the 31-year-old has played in Greece.

Despite his unfamiliarity with the country, however, Michel is under no illusions about how tough a game it promises to be at the Theodoros Kolokotronis Stadium – having garnered plenty of experience of Europa League football last season at Swansea City.

“It’s good to play in different countries and to see other groups of fans, and it will be different to what we’re used to in the Premier League,” said Michel, who is set to wear the gloves with Hugo Lloris serving a one-game ban for his sending-off in last month’s 5-1 home win against Asteras.

“We played Napoli last season with Swansea and it was quite intimidating, but it’s good to see how it goes in other countries. This is my first time in Greece so I’m really looking forward to the match.”

Having witnessed our comfortable victory against tonight’s opponents a fortnight ago, Michel believes a tighter game is in prospect as we look to build on our current five-point tally in Group C.

“Even though we won with quite a big result, they had a few good chances and when you play away in countries like this, you know they will want to play well for the home crowd,” he added.

“It’s not going to be an easy game but it’s a match we definitely need to win to once again show what we’re capable of in the Europa League.”