‘We can be Bravehearts’ – NSI Runavik manager Samal Erik Hentze concedes a ‘miracle’ is needed at Easter Road

BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport

NSI Runavik manager Samal Erik Hentze has backed his minnows to manufacture a ‘miracle’ against Hibs, roaring: We can be Bravehearts.

Hentze is acutely aware that Neil Lennon’s men will be overwhelming favourites to progress against the part-timers from the Faroe Islands. However, the amiable coach is relishing their underdog status.

Runavik, who will be cheered on by 17 travelling supporters at Easter Road, arrived in Edinburgh on Sunday as they prepare for the clash and have trained at Oriam this week – the base of Hibs’ city rivals Hearts.

And Hentze is hopeful his side can keep the tie alive ahead of the return leg on the plastic pitch of the Svangaskard Stadium in Toftir, where Scotland famously limped to a 2-2 draw in 2002.

“We will always be the little team, wherever we go – but we are believers,” smiled Hentze. “We are comfortable with being the underdogs.

“But we are very excited for this game. We can do miracles; all of the people in the Faroe Islands can make miracles.

“On the night, if we have a good day then we can do something. If we have a bad day there will be a big difference between the teams, we know that.

It is understood several members of the Runavik squad were forced to request holidays from their day jobs to make the trip to Scotland.

However, Hentze added: “We will fight to do something special, to make the people in the Faroes proud of us – like Braveheart!”