Source: Team_Talk
Baird confident of Euro victory
Chris Baird is confident Fulham will beat RNK Split in the second leg of their Europa League third qualifying round second leg.[LNB] The Cottagers endured a frustrating night in last week's first leg as they struggled to a goalless draw in Croatia.[LNB]After victories over Faroese minnows NSI Runavik and Northern Irish part-timers Crusaders, the west Londoners had been expected to secure another win at Dugopolje's Stadion Hrvatski Vitezovi but Split proved dogged opponents.[LNB]Martin Jol admitted in last week's post-match press conference that he anticipates another difficult match in the second leg and Baird has echoed his manager's sentiments.[LNB]"I can see that myself as well," he told Fulham's official website. "I think the draw was a good result for us because they weren't a bad side.[LNB]"I'm not making excuses. The pitch was a big factor for us but they also made it a tough game.[LNB]"Now we'll be on our own surface, with our own fans behind us and I would fully expect us to get the win."[LNB]He added: "It's been great to be in the Europa League again.[LNB]"Obviously the results show that we're taking it seriously.[LNB]"We've had a few tough games but we've come through them.[LNB]"The last game against RNK was a hard one but hopefully we're going to get the win we need back at the Cottage.[LNB]"We'll be hoping to get into the group stages again. We're in the competition and we want to do well and get as far as we can.[LNB]"It's going to be hard no matter what but, at the end of the day, it's just down to us.[LNB]"If we can get into the group stages it will be magnificent for the club and great for the boys."[LNB]Meanwhile, reports emanated on Tuesday linking Fulham with a move for ADO Den Haag duo Wesley Verhoek and Lex Immers.[LNB]The Premier League club are reportedly leading the race to sign 24-year-old winger Verhoek despite competition from the likes of Rangers, Nottingham Forest and several leading Dutch clubs.[LNB] Immers is also reported to be on Jol's radar, with the club looking for a loan with a view to a permanent deal for the 25-year-old.[LNB]The Cottagers would not comment on the speculation.
