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Lazović happy to sidestep Kežman

Danko Lazović is glad that fellow Serbia striker Mateja Kežman will "not be playing against us" when PSV Eindhoven seek three points at home to Fenerbahçe SK.

Danko Lazović is hoping for a home win on Tuesday
Danko Lazović is hoping for a home win on Tuesday ©Getty Images

Danko Lazović says he is glad that fellow Serbia striker Mateja Kežman will "not be playing against us" when PSV Eindhoven seek their second Group G win at home to Fenerbahçe SK.

'I'm glad'
An injury to Kežman means there will be no return to Eindhoven for a player who spent four seasons at PSV, scoring 105 goals in 122 Dutch Eredivisie games. Lazović, for one, does not regret that they will be unable to pit their wits against each other. He said: "Mateja is a great striker so I'm glad he's not playing against us."

Home advantage
Having taken three points from their opening two UEFA Champions League fixtures, PSV are third in the group yet would move into the top half with a success against the Turkish champions. "We know it's very important for us to win if we want to reach the next round, and playing in our own stadium will help," said Lazović. "I don't know a great deal about Fenerbahçe, but the fact they have high-calibre players such as Roberto Carlos and Kežman tells me they are a very good side."

Forward dynamism
Lazović has settled well since joining the Dutch title-holders from BV Vitesse during the summer. He has scored twice in the Eredivisie and gives Ronald Koeman's team dynamism up front with his intelligent running and ability to peel off to either wing from a central position. His latest direct contribution was to provide the cross from which Danny Koevermans struck PSV's second goal on their way to Saturday's 3-1 victory against VVV Venlo.

Wonderful experience
The 24-year-old has also made his mark in the UEFA Champions League. He broke the deadlock in PSV's 2-1 defeat of PFC CSKA Moskva on Matchday 1 on his tournament debut and is delighted to have the opportunity to perform on such a stage. "It's wonderful for a footballer to play in games like this," he said. "It really means a lot to me to be competing at this level."