Mjallby promises European assault

Johan Mjallby has told Celtic fans to expect an all-out assault on the Europa League by the Hoops' players. Celtic dropped down to European club football's second tier competition after being knocked out of the Champions League qualifiers by Braga on Wednesday night. They were drawn against Dutch side Utrecht today with the first game in Glasgow on August 19 and the return game in Holland a week later. Celtic assistant boss Mjallby said: "The supporters should expect us to really go for it and go on a good run because we are going to make sure the players are up for it. "It's really important for Celtic Football Club to do well in Europe. That's our aim now. I'm still hurt that that we couldn't get into the group stages of the Champions League. "I can't say I know too much about Utrecht but over the years they are usually in a mid-table position. "So we're going to respect them and we have to make sure at home we come away with a good result before going to Holland." While Celtic will be favourites to get past Utrecht, Scotland's two other Europa League representatives, Dundee United and Motherwell, face trickier ties. United were drawn to face AEK Athens while Craig Brown's men were paired with Danish side Odense. Dundee United boss Peter Houston insists his players will have no fears about travelling to Athens, but believes playing the first game at Tannadice could make the difference. "First and foremost we were never going to get an easy tie," he told BBC Sport Scotland's website. "But we are delighted to be starting at home because I would rather have a home tie first. "At Tannadice we fear no one and going over to Athens with something to hold onto would be something we would like to do. "We are under no illusions. It's not going to be an easy tie. We know their fans will be intimidating but I have loads of confidence. "We have some lads in the squad who have no fear, players like Prince Buaben, Morgaro Gomis, Danny Swanson and David Goodwillie fear no one. "They are bright kids who take the ball and pass well. I did say that if we kept the majority of the squad together we would be a match for anyone." After easing past against Icelandic side Breidablik and Norwegian outfit Aalesund in the previous two qualifying rounds, Motherwell boss Brown had "no complaints" about facing yet another Scandinavian side. He told Press Association Sport: "It is accessible for the fans and it's not too far to travel. I would hope it's an even game. "Some of the other teams like Manchester City were much more formidable than Odense. "That's not me saying it's winnable but I like the prospect of the second game at home, you know what you have to do and if it goes to extra time and penalties you have the home advantage. "So I have no complaints, the draw has been reasonably kind to us and we are looking forward to it."