QUEEN OF THE SOUTH boss Gordon Chisholm is confident the Scottish football public will come out in force for their historic UEFA Cup tie against Nordsjaelland, which will be played at the home of Airdrie United.
The Irn-Bru First Division side were paired with the Danish outfit in the second qualifying round, with Queens drawn out first.
However, the lack of seats at the club's Palmerston Park ground means the first leg, scheduled for August 14, is to be
moved more than 70 miles away to the Excelsior Stadium.
But Chisholm expects a 10,000 capacity crowd to witness the Doonhamers' first foray into Europe.
"I would love to have played at Palmerston, getting them in your own back yard is always going to be beneficial," the former Dundee United boss said.
"But UEFA regulations state that there is no standing allowed. However, it's the first time in history that we have played in Europe and I think that's why it will be a sell-out. I think there will be great interest in the game from the general public, as well as the people of Dumfries. And Airdrie is a good ground."
Chisholm admits he knows little about his opponents but is confident of progressing to the next round. He said:
"We need to see what kind of team they are but I am assuming it will be a hard game. I will try and get out to watch them. There isn't a lot of time before the first game but they will be in the same position as us."
Nordsjaelland are coached by former Dundee and Celtic midfielder Morten Wieghorst.
Queens chairman David Rae was over in Nyon for the draw and said: "It's an exciting and fantastic draw for everyone involved at Queen of the South. We have a great chance to progress."
The full article contains 317 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
