Nothing to fear from Turks

When Blackburn arrived yesterday there were only airport workers and a few bemused onlookers to greet them.

Souness knows all about the Turkish football mentality, having been in charge of Galatasaray in season 1995-96.

"I don’t see it being a hostile atmosphere at our game," said the Blackburn boss. "This is not one of the better supported clubs in Turkey. It is not one of the big teams.

"It is not Istanbul. This is different. I see it as a game my players will gain experience from." Souness said he enjoyed his season coaching in Turkey.

"I have a couple of friends coming from Istanbul," he said. "It was a good experience for me and I really enjoyed it.

"I found them warm and passionate, very friendly people. They are passionate about their football, passionate about their flag and passionate about their country.

"Look at their history – if you respect them, they respect you." Central defender Lorenzo Amoruso is expected to face the Turkish side despite needing stitches in a head wound following the victory at Portsmouth.

Midfielder Steve Reid is also available after missing the league game as he was suspended.

Tugay will captain the side on his return to Turkey as Garry Flitcroft has been ruled out with a back injury.

Barry Ferguson is ineligible after playing for Rangers in the Champions League. Genclerbirligi under coach Ersun Yanal warmed up for the tie by beating Konyaspor 4-0 – but Souness remains confident ahead of the match.

"They got a good result on Saturday but they have sold some of their best players," he said. "We have experienced players in our squad now and I am looking for a good performance.

"I think we can go and get a result that will enable us to go through to the second round."

It is Blackburn’s second successive season in the competition. They secured a place after winning on the last day of the season at Tottenham, which pro- pelled the club to sixth spot in the table.

Last year the adventure ended against Celtic after CSKA Sofia of Bulgaria had been despatched.

Blackburn winger David Thompson believes they are better equipped this time around to make an impact. He said: "Now we have got a bigger squad and a bit more quality."