Cruyff Jr inspiring Valletta to victory

Valletta FC are hoping to make history on Thursday night by becoming the first Maltese side to reach the third qualifying round of a European competition; and they have a famous name on hand to help them.

European run
The Citizens drew 1-1 away in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League second qualifying round tie at Irish side Saint Patrick's Athletic FC last Thursday, giving them every chance of progress at the Centenary Stadium in Ta'Qali. A match-up against Russia's PFC Krylya Sovetov Samara is the prize with Valletta having already dismissed Icelandic club Keflavík 5-2 on aggregate in the opening stage. And at the heart of the team's midfield is former Dutch international Jordi Cruyff, the 35-year-old son of Johan and a UEFA Cup finalists with Deportivo Alavés eight years ago.

Professional attitude
Dovetailing excellently with club captain Gilbert Agius, who claimed the first-leg equaliser, Cruyff has been inspirational since joining both as player and assistant to Valletta's new Dutch coach Ton Caanen, and is determined to keep the run going. "Everyone knows that this is a very important game, and that we have to look at it and confront it in the most professional of manners," Cruyff told uefa.com. "We already have a very good 1-1 away draw behind us so it is up to us now to be professional and finish it off. We knew St Patrick's Athletic were the favorites so the pressure will be on them on Thursday."