SK Brann manager Eirik Horneland is anticipating a clash of styles in the Conference League qualifier against St Mirren.

The Norwegian club are in Paisley for the first leg of the third qualifying round on Thursday night and expects a difficult challenge against a "physical and very direct team".

St Mirren cruised into the third round with a 4-1 victory over Icelandic side Valur Reykjavik last week and from that match and the win over Hibs, Horneland is anticipating contrasting approaches to the fixture.

"This game will be a tough one," he said. “St Mirren have had two home matches so far this season and they have scored seven goals, that is a lot. 

“Tomorrow will be two different styles of play so it will be interesting to see which style can get the game.

“St Mirren are a physical team, a very direct team and well-organised.

“We try to dominate the games with a passing game, we try to be a hard-pressing team, give away as little as we can for the opponent.

“On the ball we want to create, we want to make chances and be the best team – sometimes we are, sometimes we are not – we will wait and see if we can do it again.

“We certainly hope we can get our game going and St Mirren will be the same but it is two different styles of play and it will be interesting to see who can take the advantage.”


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Meanwhile, SK Brann captain Fredrik Pallesen Knudsen has insisted his side won't be overawed by the occasion in Paisley.

"No, we are used to playing on the big stage," said the centre-back. "Our home ground takes 15,000 and it's always big crowds so the players are looking forward to playing tomorrow at a good stadium here.

"I've seen some goals and talked a little bit with Sivet Heltne Nilsen, our former captain, and he says that it is a tough league with a lot of duels and direct football so I think we are ready to compete."