Royle calls for passion
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Joe Royle is relying on his Everton team rediscovering their fire to upset Feyenoord in the European Cup-Winners Cup tonight.
"I am quietly confident. But we must show the passion that has not always been there this season," Royle said in Rotterdam. "It is a big night for the club and a big chance to get our season going again."
Everton start all square after a goalless first leg, but much of the determination that characterised their FA Cup final victory and relegation escape has gone and the single win in their last 10 matches came against Reykjavik's part-timers in the first round. More tellingly, only Ajax have beaten Feyenoord in their stadium this season.
Everton's prospects depend largely on the fitness of an already depleted squad. David Unsworth (back), Earl Barrett (knee), Vinny Samways (hamstring), Andrei Kanchelskis (ineligible) and Duncan Ferguson (imprisoned) could not make the trip.
Anders Limpar (ankle), Joe Parkinson (foot) and Daniel Amokachi (knee) are all in the party but may struggle to complete 90 minutes, while Craig Short (viral infection) was hospitalised for tests at the weekend.
For the Celtic manager, Tommy Burns, victory against Paris St Germain at Parkhead tonight would be another giant stride in his 18-month Parkhead revolution.
The Tennents Scottish Cup holders are aiming to overturn a 1-0 deficit in the second round, second leg tie. If it can be achieved, then the dismal memory of a Coca-Cola Cup final defeat by First Division Raith last November, and a record run without scoring a goal, will be erased.
"We are making progress and anyone who thinks we haven't improved since last season doesn't know what he is talking about,'' Burns said. ''We have been playing well for the past month or so and I don't think we have been getting the credit the players deserve for that.''
The midfielder Phil O'Donnell misses out but injury worries over John Collins, Andreas Thom, Simon Donnelly and Andy Walker are clearing. Burns added that his captain, Paul McStay, in fine form this season since returning from injury, will be a key figure.
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