Source: Team_Talk
Elliott happy on European stage
irmingham winger Wade Elliott is happy to enjoy a change of scenery as he revels in his first European campaign.[LNB] The former Bournemouth and Burnley midfielder announced his arrival on the continental stage with his side's winner in the 2-1 Europa League Group H victory at Maribor last month.[LNB]On Thursday night they face experienced European campaigners Club Brugge in Belgium, where they will be backed by around 5,500 supporters, and Elliott admits such experiences are a pleasant contrast to the npower Championship.[LNB]"I wouldn't say the Championship is a slog, but everybody is enthused by the European campaign and you can sense everybody is excited," he said.[LNB]"It's a great experience to come to these different places.[LNB]"We've relished it so far and hopefully we can take that enthusiasm into the game.[LNB]"We're confident in our ability and we've got a strong squad but they are a strong side with a lot of pedigree."[LNB]Brugge are unbeaten in the Belgian Jupiler League and shocked last season's finalists Braga in Portugal last month.[LNB]"We're expecting a stern test," said Birmingham boss Chris Hughton. "They had a very, very good victory against Braga, who were perhaps the favourites to win the group after reaching the final last season.[LNB]"That shows the quality they have. They're used to the European stage and domestically they are used to being at the top, winning football matches.[LNB]"This competition is new territory for us. It's a tough task here but one we're looking forward to.[LNB]"The most important thing is the Championship and the number one aim for the club is promotion. But this competition means a lot to us. We're grateful and delighted to be in it. The Championship is the most important thing but this is something we very much welcome."[LNB]City will be without captain Stephen Carr after he aggravated a recent knee problem against Leicester so versatile midfielder Jonathan Spector is likely to deputise.[LNB]Hughton has several minor concerns but will wait until the last minute to decide his line-up. Centre-back Curtis Davies (knee) has travelled with the squad but will not be risked while midfielder Jordon Mutch (ankle) is continuing his recovery.[LNB]Experienced Brugge boss Adrie Koster, meanwhile, will be without captain Carl Hoefkens after the right-back suffered cruciate ligament damage.[LNB]Koster, whose side have six points from their two Group H games so far, said: "Birmingham are in the second league in England but that doesn't mean they're not a good team.[LNB]"They can play good football and are physically very strong."
