Motherwell manager Alfred Johansson believes Ibrahim Said will be motivated to make up for missing the first leg against HJK when the teams meet at Fir Park. The Nigerian striker was unable to play in last week's 1-1 draw in Helsinki due to visa issues, but he is available for the second leg.
Said's return boosts Motherwell
Johansson said: "We need all our good players. Ibby has had a really strong impact on the team and the start to the season, so it's massive he can play."
He added: "Probably, yes (he was frustrated at missing the first game). In fact I know that he was. Unfortunately, it's complicated, these things. But now he can play tomorrow, so he's happy."
"It will be (an added motivation). He missed a European game and tomorrow he will get the chance to get one."
Johansson confident despite need to win
Motherwell need to win to set up a clash with Freiburg in the next round. Johansson said: "I'm not afraid of this. I feel that the players are so locked in and focused and they want to do well. With the cards we have in our hands we will try to do our best and try to see if we can make this happen."
"But I'm not worried about that. The guys, they will give absolutely everything."
Joe Hodge signs for Motherwell
Motherwell also completed the signing of Irish midfielder Joe Hodge from Tondela. The deal had been delayed for several weeks because his former club, Wolves, was due a large sell-on fee.
The Republic of Ireland international will not be eligible to make his debut until the Premier Sports Cup match against Stenhousemuir at the weekend.
Johansson said: "We've been patient. There have been negotiations going up and down. But he's here. It's very pleasing that we have the chance to make signings like Joe. It's evidence that the club is moving in the direction it wants."
"Joe is a very exciting young midfielder. He is mainly a number six in our system. He can also have a more box to box role or play further up the pitch. But we mainly see him as a six."
"Some years ago, in teams that played a similar style to us, you would see a slow number six with good vision of the game. But I think Joe represents kind of the last five, six years version of a number six - you have that vision, you have that quality on the ball, but you also have the mobility."
"Very much like you've seen with (Lukas) Fadinger and (Oscar) Priestman, you can move fast into a new space to receive the ball. The game moves fast nowadays. So he really very much represents that for me."
"Joe has been very eager to join Motherwell. He's shown how much he wants to come to us. We believe it's a perfect match."
