KR striker eyes early Celtic goal
- adamhigginsuk
- Jul 22, 2014
- 2 min read
Advantage: Celtic have the edge in the tie after Calum McGregor's strike after 84 minutes separated the sides in the first leg (Picture from Zimbio. com)
KR Reykjavik striker Gary Martin says his side are targeting an early goal in the second leg of their Champions League qualifier against Celtic.
The Icelandic champions are seeking to overturn a 1-0 deficit on Tuesday after losing last week's first leg at home.
The tie will be staged at Scotland's home of rugby Murrayfield, with Celtic Park currently unavailable due to the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.
And former Middlesbrough striker Martin hopes the unfamiliar setting will benefit his side - should they get their noses in front early on.
"We're not playing at Celtic Park and I don't know how many fans they're going to bring but we'll give it a go," he told reporters at the airport on Monday as the squad landed in Edinburgh.
"If we score first then it puts a bit of pressure on them and the fans start to turn but we'll see.
"It's going to be difficult because we've conceded an away goal, we know we're going to have to score early.
"To concede six minutes from time was difficult because 0-0 would have been awesome for us. If Kris Commons is injured we've got a chance but they don't have any weaknesses really."
The winners of the tie between Polish side Legia Warsaw and St Patrick's Athletic of Dublin await in the third qualifying round.
KR have never progressed beyond the first hurdle in the Champions League and Englishman Martin recognised the importance of this match if he is to earn a move back to his homeland.
"It's a big game for me to play against Celtic. It's a big shop window," the 23-year-old admitted.
"I want to come home and play back in England. It's the first time my friends are going to come and watch me in four years. England is my first choice but I'm always looking to take the next step even if it is Scandinavia."
When asked what victory over the Scottish champions would mean to KR, Martin replied: "I think it would be a massive shock.
"We're here to enjoy ourselves and hopefully give a good account of Icelandic football and do ourselves proud."
Last updated: 22 July 2014 18:11pm
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