Source: Team_Talk
Hughes ready for Crusaders
Fulham defender Aaron Hughes insists the Cottagers will not take Crusaders lightly in Thursday's Europa League second-qualifying-round clash.[LNB] The west Londoners have already seen off Faroese minnows NSI Runavik in this year's competition and now head to Belfast hoping for a similarly smooth ride at Seaview.[LNB]However, Northern Ireland international Hughes insists everybody at Fulham is wary of the threat Crusaders pose and will make the most of playing in his homeland.[LNB]"I have played here [at Seaview] once before when I was about 13 or 14 years of age at schoolboy level," he told fulhamfc.com.[LNB]"It's good to come back and it's a competitive game, which is good for everyone.[LNB]"I've been part of teams when you're the underdog so I know the mindset in these games - flip that around and we're well aware of what the Crusaders want to do.[LNB]"Hopefully it will be another step for us along another long road in Europe.[LNB]"The one thing about our club is we're well prepared and we never take any team for granted, whether it's a pre-season game or the Europa League final.[LNB]"We treat every game in the same manner. Our scouts have been down here [to watch the Crusaders] a couple of times and we've been well briefed.[LNB]"I think that's why we've had the success we've had over the past couple of years - we're well prepared and we've got a good bunch of lads that take it all on board. We've always remained very grounded."[LNB]Former Liverpool left-back John Arne Riise will not feature for Martin Jol's side after completing his move to Craven Cottage yesterday, while Crusaders will be without skipper Colin Coates through injury.[LNB]Chris Morrow has also been ruled out of the clash but Paul Leeman is set to make his competitive debut for the IFA Premiership part-timers.[LNB]
