Rhyl caretaker-coach Osian Roberts is disappointed Adem Ljajic
will be missing from Partizan Belgrade's line-up at Belle Vue.
The Manchester United-bound midfielder has not travelled to
Wales for this Champions League qualifier as he is playing for
Serbia in the forthcoming European Under-19 Championships.
Roberts said: "It would have been nice if he had played because
our players would have liked to have faced him.
"It would have been interesting and fans of Manchester United in
north Wales would have liked to have seen him.
"However Partizan won't be missing much in terms of quality as
the technical ability throughout their squad is of a really high
standard."
Partizan have been building up their stamina in a mountain
training camp and are overwhelming favourites to progress.
Roberts added: "I would expect a few scouts as well as
supporters to be out looking at Serbian players. It is a one-off
opportunity to see a team like Partizan in our area.
"However we like to play good football as well and get the ball
on the floor. We will have a go."
Partizan coach Slavisa Jokanovic believes they need to show
their opponents respect.
He said: "I approach each game in a serious way. We have no
right to underestimate any club, any country.
"We have all played matches against semi-professional sides and
no-one is going to give you anything."
In the Europa League, Crusaders are hoping to make it third-time
lucky for the Irish League.
They entertain FC Rabotnicki of Macedonia knowing Linfield and
Lisburn both suffered damaging defeats when the competition began
last week.
Manager Stephen Baxter said: "There is a hunger about us, which
is satisfying. I have been happy with our work-rate in pre-season
and it would be good if we could keep the momentum going."