Hdiouad gives CSKA Sofia hope

Giant leap
CSKA lie bottom of UEFA Cup Group A, but could yet climb into the qualifying places provided their midfield motor inspires them to victory at AS Monaco FC tonight - and SK Slavia Praha fail to win their final game at Hamburger SV. A draw would also be enough if Slavia lose by two goals or more.

Thigh injury
The 29-year-old Hdiouad has been missed since sustaining a thigh injury in a league match against PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv 1936 in October - he had earlier helped his side into the group stage with a goal in their first-round triumph over Bayer 04 Leverkusen.

Important win
Indeed, Hdiouad has been a key element of Miodrag Ješic's team following his summer arrival from PFC Litex Lovech, with his absence being particularly felt in their 4-2 defeat at Slavia Praha. However, CSKA then gave themselves a chance of qualifying with a 2-0 home win against Viking FK.

'I am ready'
Much may now depend on Hdiouad's fitness for the Monaco trip. He certainly hopes to see action, telling uefa.com: "I think I will be fully fit for the game. I am ready. If I can score a goal, it will be fantastic after all these weeks on the sidelines."

Confident approach
With Monaco already through to the last 32, Hdiouad is confident of joining them. "We all believe we can win," he said. "We will go out and give it our best shot. We have the confidence to take something from this game.

European exploits
"We have a very good coach in Miodrag Ješic," he added. "He knows what to do. We have already won at [KF] Tirana, Liverpool [FC] and Leverkusen this season. We respect Monaco, but we do not fear them. They reached the UEFA Champions League final in 2004, but this is a different matter."

International experience
Hdiouad also expects his experience of facing French opposition to stand CSKA in good stead at Stade Louis II. "I have played a lot of games against French teams," he said. "In 2000 I was in the Morocco side that played France in a friendly tournament.

Club level
"I also started my career at FUS Rabat under current Morocco coach Philippe Troussier," he continued. "At club level, I have played several times against French clubs. French football is among the best in Europe, but CSKA have proved this season that we can compete with the best."

Impressive Adebayor
For Hdiouad, one of the very best is Monaco's Togo forward Emmanuel Adebayor. "Monaco have other top players but I know him well from Morocco's matches against Togo," he said. "He is very strong physically and very skilful."