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CITY HANDED DANISH CLASH
Mark Hughes' City face Midtjylland.
Manchester City have been handed a seemingly straightforward draw in the UEFA Cup second qualifying round.
Mark Hughes' side, who initially qualified due to their impressive disciplinary record, will take on Danish side FC Midtjylland.
They secured a comfortable 4-0 aggregate win in the first qualifying round by beating Faroe Islands side EB Streymur.
The ties are scheduled for August 14 and 28.
Mingling with the likes of Deportivo La Coruna and Besiktas at the draw in Nyon and knowing a list of illustrious opponents, headed by seven-times European champions AC Milan, lies in wait at the first round proper, has left the mouth of City managing director Paul Aldridge watering.
"The competition is starting to take shape now," said Aldridge.
"We have some of the big names of European football coming in at this stage, so it takes on a more traditional feel.
"We've seen representatives from Aston Villa, Besiktas and Deportivo La Coruna here and of course some big names from the Premier League were here for the Champions League draw earlier as well."
It is five years since City last enjoyed the European experience, qualifying through the Fair Play League as they did last term.
TNS, Lokeren and eventual conquerors Groclin represented the summit of Kevin Keegan's achievement but Mark Hughes is expecting much better this time around.
Midtjylland thrashed Welsh minnows Bangor City 10-1 in the last round, leaving Aldridge pretty impressed.
However, with extra fitness work under their belts, he feels City will get through.
"Midtjylland had a great result in the last round and looked a decent side from the highlights I have seen," he said.
"But I've no doubt that Mark Hughes and his staff will have the players ready for the challenge.
"Hopefully they will display the same level of professionalism the team showed against EB/Streymur and we can progress to the next round."
