Source: Team_Talk
Jefferies' Tromso concerns
Jim Jefferies expressed concern about playing on Tromso's artificial pitch after the Europa League draw set up a probable trip to Norway.[LNB] Hearts will face Tromso or Paksi of Hungary in the third qualifying round, with the first leg away from home on July 28.[LNB]Tromso secured a 1-1 draw in Hungary last night and Jefferies anticipates a match against a team known as being the most northerly top-flight side in the world.[LNB]Jefferies told Hearts TV: "I don't know anything about the Hungarian team but it looks like Tromso are the favourites now because the return leg is in Norway and they have the away goal.[LNB]"It's a tough draw. They are second in the league. Norwegians are always strong and well organised and my biggest concern is that it will be on an astro pitch.[LNB]"So it's not the best of draws but you have to take what you get and adapt and get on with it. It's a very interesting tie and we'll look forward to it.[LNB]"If the tie is alive it could be one of those famous European nights at Tynecastle."[LNB]Jefferies is familiar with the territory following a scouting trip earlier in his career.[LNB]"I have been to Tromso when I was Hearts manager last time," he said.[LNB]"I went to watch a player. He went on to have a decent career, I think he played for Rosenberg and then in Spain and Italy. I can't remember his name.[LNB]"I think it's either darkness or light all the time up there.[LNB]"When I was there someone said it's only a 45-minute flight to the North Pole.[LNB]"I think there might be one or two polar bears up there so we'll have to be very careful at night," he joked.[LNB]Jefferies added: "I believe it's the biggest pitch in Norway and it's a nice compact stadium.[LNB]"But we may be underestimating the Hungarians here and I'll get as much information as I can about them.[LNB]"I'll be at the game and whatever one gets through I'll make arrangements to watch them on the Sunday after we play Rangers."[LNB]Jefferies will seek out Hungarian goalkeeper Janos Balogh tomorrow for the lowdown on Paksi.[LNB]"They were second in their league last season so they are no mugs," he said.[LNB]"Even minnows now are well organised - you have to prepare for a very, very tough match."[LNB]Dundee United will also be away in the first leg if they make the third qualifying round.[LNB]They will face Metalurg Skopje of Macedonia or Bulgaria's Levski Sofia if they can overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit to Slask Wroclaw at Tannadice on Thursday.[LNB]
