Dundee United arrive in Netherlands to prepare for second leg of Alkmaar clash

The Dundee United squad have arrived in the Netherlands as they prepare for the second leg of their Europa Conference League clash with AZ Alkmaar.

Jack Ross and his team are looking to defend the 1-0 lead from their victory at Tannadice last week against the Eredivisie side.

A Glenn Middleton goal separated the sides on a memorable night in Tayside but the travelling support will know the hard work is still be to done if they want to secure their place in the next round.

The teams meet again on Thursday in the AFAS Stadion in Alkmaar.

If they get through this round, they will play the winners of Gil Vicente and Riga for a place in the group stages of the ECL.

Speaking after last week’s first leg victory, the manager urged caution and admitted his team still have plenty work to do to get through.

He said: “We are under no illusions about the challenge, but we wanted to give ourselves a platform to go through.

“I also think about the players having the chance to put themselves into the European history of this club.

“There is a long way to go, but it’s been a while since we have beaten a top European club like that.

“Sometimes we don’t pause enough to enjoy things, but I will pause and so should the players.”