Welsh Premier League Football - Evo wants more nights of Euro glory

THE New Saints' captain Steve Evans wants to savour more nights of European glory after leading his side to Champions League victory over Bohemians.
The gritty defender could be forgiven for thinking he would not be seeing too many more of those ‘special’ nights football sometimes has to offer.
Sure, he may still only be 31, but, as the craggy Evans admits himself, it seems like he has been around a lot longer.
Evans is the proud owner of seven international caps for his country, despite a career haunting the lower leagues and made history by becoming the first non-league player to represent Wales in 78 years.
But there is life in the old war-horse yet and Evans admits he is as excited as a 16-year-old about the encounter with relative super-power Anderlecht on Tuesday evening.
Evans admits he is just enjoying the ride back at the club where he began his career and where he has already tasted big European nights.
He has some great memories, but wants some even better ones this time against the Belgians.
“It has been a fantastic time for the club, for the supporters and all the lads,” Evans told Steve Tucker of Wales on Sunday.
“You have to say that win was a long time coming, but I guess it is all that bit sweeter because of the wait.
“We knew we had to take the game to Bohemians in the last round because we knew what they were all about and that is what we did.
“We got the goals and if we had to weather the storm at the start of the second half then we also bossed the game for long periods too.
“The club have had some big nights, but the chance to face Anderlecht now is right up there.
“Liverpool was fantastic, a great experience, but we are focused on Tuesday night now."
Many will be looking at TNS’ encounter with Anderlecht as another David and Goliath clash that football seems to thrive on.
The very name of the Belgian club will for many bring back memories of European campaigns from the past, a period where they lifted two European Cup Winners’ Cups and a Uefa Cup.
Under current head coach Ariël Jacobs, they are reigning Belgian champions, but perhaps some of the lustre of old has slightly gone.
Evans certainly thinks so and has urged his team-mates to go into the two-legged encounter with no fear.
“They are a big club, a famous club and will go into the game as big favourites,” he said.
“But they are certainly not as big as they were and we are really going into it with nothing to lose.
“We have got to go out there and keep doing what we’ve been doing. We like to get the ball down and play.
“You won’t see us hoofing the ball up in the air too much. We are a footballing side.
“We’ve got a good honest bunch of lads here.
“The squad has got a great balance with a few older heads like myself and a few youngsters who are coming through and have done really well.
“Playing Anderlecht will be a chance for a few of those to put themselves in the shop window, too.
“We must make sure we show no fear going into the game and let’s see where things take us then.”
Photo: Steve Evans proudly holds the shirt of Fernando Morientes after defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.

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