Williamson's men in the mood while McLeish rallies troops

Kilmarnock still hold out hope that they can progress to the second round of the Uefa Cup after holding the Norwegian side Viking Stavanger to a 1-1 draw at Rugby Park last week.

The visitors had taken the lead through a Tom Sanne goal but Kilmarnock managed to hit back through Craig Dargo.

Although Stavanger head into tonight's home tie with a vital away goal, the striker Ally Mitchell insists confidence in the Kilmarnock camp is high.

He added: "We are very much up for it. After last week we feel we have got a great opportunity, we know the way they played and we have worked on a few things this week and hopefully that will come to good effect."

Bobby Williamson's side go into the tie with no injury worries, while Viking's first choice goalkeeper Bo Andersen returns from a back injury to take over from Tore Snorteland.

The Hibernian manager Alex McLeish has reiterated his belief that his side can overhaul the 2-0 deficit that they face in their second leg with AEK Athens.

Easter Road is set for a sell-out 17,500 crowd for tonight's match with the home captain Franck Sauzée set to return to the heart of the defence.

McLeish has been bullish in the run-up to the tie, especially after seeing his side put four past St Johnstone on Sunday without reply. He said: "If the vibes are anything to go by, my players are up for this tie and I sincerely believe we have a chance. I have my team in my mind and I was pleased with the performance in Greece. Maybe 2-0 will work in our favour more than 1-0 because at 1-0 we might be inclined to be too cautious and play scared. I want the players to be positive and not too scared.

"We have to be sensible but, at the same time, we cannot allow them to settle into their style of play. We have to try and knock them out of their stride."