Motherwell will look to John McGinn for inside knowledge on how to beat Freiburg as they prepare for their Europa Conference League play-off first leg at Fir Park on Thursday.
Regan Charles-Cook joked that the squad will ask captain Paul McGinn to get the inside track from his younger brother, who helped Aston Villa beat the Bundesliga side 3-0 in last season's Europa League final.
Motherwell face a David v Goliath clash against the German heavyweights, and they will be without their own McGinn, as Paul is recovering from injury.
McGinn brothers' insight
Charles-Cook said: “We have McGinn, it is true. The Rolls Royce is in service just now.
“He is probably getting a few parts back and then he will be back soon. I will get Paul to speak to John and let him tell us what he did.
“We will see what we can do.”
Motherwell earned this tie by seeing off Havnar Boltfelag and HJK. They will aim to make full use of Fir Park before heading to the Europa Park Stadium next week.
European memories
The club's European history includes the famous 1994-95 campaign when they took on Borussia Dortmund over two legs, and the class of 2026 have the chance to make their own mark.
Charles-Cook said: “It is good for the club. It is huge that a club like Motherwell have a game like this. You can see and feel what it means. Us, as players, it is such a good opportunity to play in a big competition at a massive stadium.
“For the fans, this is something for them to celebrate. It is always nice to go abroad.”
The Grenada international has faced top-level opposition in Belgium, where he played for Eupen against the country's elite, and he believes that will help him gauge the quality Freiburg will bring.
Freiburg's quality
Freiburg can boast players like Matthias Ginter, Vincenzo Grifo and new €12 million keeper Mio Backhaus.
Charles-Cook acknowledged: “It is huge. I played in big games when I was out in Belgium. It wasn’t in European competition but domestically.
“I played against the likes of Anderlecht and Club Brugge, who are regulars in Europe. I know the level they are at and what to expect.
“It is different because it will be Bundesliga opposition. It is what you wish for and dream of as a kid. You want to go on to the European stage and to express yourself. I am really looking forward to it.
“I’m buzzing.”
Motherwell had made an almost perfect start under new boss Alfred Johansson until they were knocked out of the Premier Sports Cup by Stenhousemuir after extra-time, following their impressive win over HJK.
Johansson's approach
Johansson made several changes and freshened up his squad, but the big guns will be out for Freiburg. He wants the same approach, going out and playing with smiles on their faces and enjoying their football.
Charles-Cook said: “He is great. As you can see, everyone has a smile on their face. He reiterates it every day. He wants you boys to go and play with a smile on your face and go and play the football you know.
“Motherwell football: intensity, the way we play and most importantly have fun. That is what we do.
“We have fun off the pitch and it carries on to the pitch, which is nice.”
