NSÍ Runavík: The three danger men Linnets must keep quiet in Europa League qualifying tie
The Linnets will take on Faroese side NSÍ Runavík on Thursday. (Photo: Maciej Brencz)
Barry Town United will compete in the qualifying rounds of the Europa League for a second successive season when they face NSÍ Runavík on Thursday.
The Faroese outfit finished third in the Betri deildin menn (Faroe Islands Premier League) last season and only recently burst onto the European scene, qualifying for the first time in 2003.
The club won the league title for the first time in 2007, and have also finished as runners-up on three occasions.
So, who are the key players in their ranks that the Linnets should keep an eye out for?
We’ve taken a look.
Klæmint Olsen
Klaemint Olsen is no doubt the biggest threat in Runavik’s side. He is, after all, the all-time top scorer in the Faroe Island’s top-flight and has bagged a phenomenal 188 goals in 297 appearances.
Runavik’s captain has finished as the league’s top scorer on five occasions, including last season, when he netted 26 goals for the club.
The 30-year-old has scored seven goals in 17 appearances this season, and Barry’s defence will need to be on red alert when the 27 cap Faroese international is in dangerous positions.
Petur Knudsen
Another player that the Linnets will have to keep close tabs on is talented midfielder Petur Knudsen.
He is currently Runavik’s top scorer this season, having netted eight goals in 12 matces, as well as chipping in with five assists, showcasing excellent form heading into Thursday’s game against Gavin Chesterfield’s side.
The 22-year-old will add creativity and his vision to pick out that decisive pass will no doubt cause the Jenner Park side problems at the back.
Jesper Christjansen
The final player we come to is Danish midfielder Jesper Christjansen. The 32-year-old adds experience to Runavik’s midfield and help makes them tick in the middle of the park.
He has only recently joined the Faroese outfit on a six-month contract after a six-year spell with Danish side Lyngby.
He has scored two goals for Runavik this season, with his first coming in a 1-0 win over IF fuglafjørður, on the 6th August.
(Featured image: Maciej Brencz)
