Jamie Wood warns TNS ahead of Anderlecht return

Striker Jamie Wood has warned his TNS team-mates what to expect ahead of tomorrow night's Champions League qualifier at Anderlecht.

The Welsh Premier side make the return trip facing a tall order as they bid to overturn a 3-1 first leg deficit against the Belgian giants.

And Wood knows it will be a tough ask ain Brussels after having first hand experience of the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium where he played over 10 years ago.

"I scored against Anderlecht in my first game with Antwerp back in 1999," said the front man.

"It'll be quite an atmosphere at their stadium - their fans are very vocal."

Wood had made his way through the Manchester United youth system when he was loaned to Antwerp at 19. He later played for Hull, Halifax and Swansea and also made two international appearances for the Cayman Islands.

Now aged 31 and with around 200 appearances for Saints under his belt, Wood hopes to pass on his experience to his team-mates.

"Some of them know about the big-game atmosphere, having played for the club in the past against Liverpool and Manchester City," he said.

"For those of them who haven't, the first 10 minutes will be the most important, to let the nerves settle. After that they should be fine."

Saints go into tomorrow's match in Belgium 3-1 down from the first leg of this third qualifying round tie.

Even if they lose out, they are guaranteed a place in the Europa League - the draw for which is a few days after the Anderlecht game.

By JOHN BRIDGWATER