Irkhin ready for Rosenberg test

Difficult start
After winning the title so comfortably last season, Astana have found matters considerably more difficult in the 2007 campaign. Four wins from 15 matches at the midway point was a miserable return for a club that had sauntered to the Kazakhstani championship on the back of 19 wins from 30 matches. It was also the point at which the club turned to Irkhin, who had guided the club, then known as FC Zhenis Astana, to the 2003 title.

Immediate impact
After his arrival in July, Irkhin's impact was immediate as his side strung together three consecutive league wins without the loss of a goal, culminating in a 5-0 defeat of FC Kairat Almaty last Saturday. Astana also won through to this stage of the UEFA Champions League after completing a 3-0 aggregate success against Georgian champions FC Olimpi Rustavi. However, maintaining this fine run of form against Norwegian giants Rosenborg will be the stiffest test yet of Irkhin's abilties.

Zhalmagambetov loss
Although fifth in their domestic standings, Rosenborg are the second-highest scorers in the Tippeligaen with 29 goals from 15 matches. Irkhin must also overcome the loss of two influential players in defender Maksim Zhalmagambetov and midfielder Dian Genchev Todorov. As Astana's tallest player Zhalmagambetov would have proved useful against a Rosenborg side traditionally good in the air. "He left for a trial at [ŠK] Slovan [Bratislava] who are in Austria at the moment," explained Irkhin. "Unfortunately he will not be back for the Rosenborg game." Zhalmagambetov will be replaced by either Mikhail Shishkin or nominal midfielder Anton Chichulin. Todorov's absence will also be keenly felt as the newcomer has adapted quickly to his new surroundings, adding creativity to midfield.

Suyumagambetov return
On the plus side Astana welcome back Kazakhstan striker Murat Suyumagambetov after a lengthy lay-off. "I missed too much time because of treatment and I was longing for football," said the striker who scratched his itch to play with his first professional hat-trick against Kairat. "I was counting the days until I got back on the pitch and I am overwhelmed to have scored so soon after returning from injury. I needed those goals to feel more relaxed."

'Inner resolve'
Suyumagambetov will be partnered by Alexandr Suchkov who scored twice against Kairat with Arsen Tlekhugov on standby to help out in attack before an expected 9,000 capacity crowd. "I am happy with the squad, although we lack understanding on the pitch because we have some new players," added Irkhin. "Some have just returned after injuries, some have had to adapt to new positions and others lack self-confidence so we will have to look for our inner resolve." After the win against Kairat, though, that inner resolve should not be too hard to draw upon.