Craig Brown will call in favour to secure Everton loan

Jul 29 2010

MOTHERWELL manager Craig Brown is in talks with Everton boss Davie Moyes over a possible loan move for a striker.

As he prepares for tonight's Europa League third qualifying round first-leg match against Aalesunds FK in Norway, Brown revealed that he has contacted allies down south with a view to extending his squad.

The Fir Park gaffer said: "We haven't had the luxury that others have had to sign players, but we can bring people in on loan.

"We have to bring in a striker and we're looking to do that on loan from England.

"I've spoken to a few managers in England and they're happy to co-operate. David Moyes at Everton has probably been the most helpful because he had two here last season in John Ruddy and Lukas Jutkiewicz.

"But Billy Davies is down there at Nottingham Forest so there are a lot of managers we can talk to and we won't be stuck."

Brown heads for the Color Line Stadion tonight with the aim of taking a lead back to Fir Park next Thursday.

"We're going there looking to win the game," he said. "To bring back a lead, or even a scoring draw, would be great - 0-0 isn't so clever because if they score here we would need two.

"We really have to try and get a goal and then it could be a very good, important gala occasion here at Fir Park next Thursday."

Brown added: "Everybody likes the second leg to be at home as it could go to extra-time or penalties, and everything in that situation benefits the home team.

"We have got to make sure that when Aalesunds come here the tie is still very much alive."

Brown and his backroom team have done their homework on Aalesunds and know what to expect from the Norwegians.

Although the former Scotland boss won't look any further than this two-legged tie he is aware that a glamour clash could await his side should they get through to the next stage.

Brown said: "I know a lot about Aalesunds because our scout Bobby Jenks was up there and has given us a terrific report and a DVD of them.

"Bobby Holt, a pal of mine, used to be manager of Aalesunds back in the 1970s and he phoned and told me what a wonderful club they are, with great facilities and a lovely set-up. I'm looking forward to it."

He added: "It would be great to get into the next round and we would revel in that possibility.

"It's terrific to be playing in Europe - that was my job for 16-and-a-half years and now, at club level, it's a terrific privilege to be in Europe."

Brown was delighted with Motherwell's aggregate 2-0 win over Breidablik, and hopes it helps the whole of Scottish football.

He said: "We were representing Scotland and, quite clearly, we wanted to help the co-efficient and prestige of Scottish football.

"It was a very good result to get the two wins and not concede a goal."

Brown also believes that having European competitive matches so early in the season will prepare his side for the campaign ahead better than any friendly could.

He said: "We have a small squad but they're very fit, thanks to my assistant Archie Knox and our physiotherapist John Porteous, who put in a power of work on the training pitch.

"They'll be ready for the season."