Europa League: Slav in the dug-out

Slaven Bilic has travelled to Andorra and will sit on the bench in Lusitans’ tiny stadium for tonight’s Europa League clash.

It follows Bilic being blasted by Lusitans boss Xavi Roura after he sat in the stands and watched last week’s first leg match from the director’s box. The Hammers ran out 3-0 winners.

The manager, however, is determined to ensure there will be no repeats as the Irons bid to finish off the job they started at the Boleyn.

He left the club’s tour of Ireland early to link up with the part of the squad that travelled to the Pyrenees earlier this morning.

Bilic will take his place in the dug out although, in reality, there are few other places for him to sit in the 1,100 capacity stadium. More than 500 West Ham supporters are expected in the Estadi Comunal.

Terry Westley is set to oversee the squad and he commented: “I will expect Slaven to be on the bench. The trip in Cork is coming toward the end; the work has been done.

“He has got himself here and wants to see senior players. He is very interested in the younger players and has a second chance to see them again in a competitive match.”