Ton Caanen, the AEK Larnaca coach, is upbeat about his side’s chances of kickstarting their European adventure with a win today.

“I have a very good feeling about this game,” the former Valletta mentor told The Times.

“I accept that we’re favourites but on the other hand, I respect Floriana as they have improved significantly as a team in the past year.

“They won the cup in Malta and to do that, you must have quality. I watched the final against Valletta and I think Floriana deserved to win because they showed more potential during the game.

“Floriana will be looking to get a result and make it difficult for us. From our side, we want to focus on trying to obtain the best result and our intention is to win this game.”

Caanen said his team’s pairing with Floriana gave him a sense of déjà vu.

“It’s very nice to be back,” Caanen remarked.

“It’s better than having to travel to an eastern European country you don’t know.

“I had a good time in Malta but now I’m here to do a job in a professional way.

“I believe my knowledge of Maltese football will help me to prepare the team better. It’s an advantage as

“I’m familiar with the level of football and the strengths of our opponents.”

When it was put to Caanen that his past links with Valletta, and the presence of Doding Priso and Luke Dimech, two ex-City players, in the AEK squad have enhanced the at-traction of today’s match, he replied: “It could be. I’m working in another country but I can imagine that some of the fans of Floriana still see us as Valletta people.

“Today I spoke with some Valletta fans who came to meet me. They told me that will be supporting AEK Larnaca.”

According to Caanen, over 400 AEK Larnaca fans are expected at the Hibs Stadium this evening.