Former Nottingham Forest star set for daunting Champions League debut at side who haven’t played in two months
COPENHAGEN might be a bit rusty against in-form Manchester City on Tuesday in their first competitive game for TWO MONTHS.
The Danes have been on a winter break since their 1-0 win over Galatasaray clinched a last-16 place back on December 12.
GettyScott McKenna could make his debut for Copenhagen against Manchester City[/caption]
Boss Jacob Neestrop admits 63 days without a game is not ideal.
He said: “Of course, it would be an advantage if we had been in full flow but it is what it is.
“We’ve tried to have the best start regarding our training
“We feel we’re in a very good place.
“We go for playing a good game and deliver a good performance to get a result like we have done in the other Champions League matches.”
Copenhagen played in the friendly Atlantic Cup in Portugal last week to get some match practice, winning two out of their three games.
This is only the second time they have reached the last 16 — they lost to Chelsea in 2011.
But they came through a group that also included Bayern Munich and Manchester United and have lost just two of 18 Champions League matches at their Parken Stadium, which is known for its hostile atmosphere.
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
Scottish centre back Scott McKenna, 27, is in line for a debut after a loan move from Nottingham Forest last month.
The defender had fallen out of favour under Steve Cooper and was unable to convince Nuno Espirito Santo that he should be given a spot back in the team.
Speaking about facing Manchester City in the Champions League, Mckenna said: “Manchester City are obviously a top team and it will be a difficult match.
“But I don’t think you should show them too much respect, otherwise they will just run over you.
“You have to try to make it as difficult for them as possible and hopefully it will work out for us.
“I have only played against Manchester City once and it didn’t end too well for me! I know Copenhagen played against City last season in the Champions League too so the players at the club have probably faced them more than me.”
