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Apr 18, 2011   |  6:54PM AET

Brebner: Spirits are high

Brebner: Spirits are high

Midfielder Grant Brebner says spirits are high in the Melbourne Victory camp ahead of Wednesday night’s AFC Champions League showdown against Tianjin Teda at Etihad Stadium.

Midfielder Grant Brebner says spirits are high in the Melbourne Victory camp ahead of Wednesday night’s AFC Champions League showdown against Tianjin Teda at Etihad Stadium.

The two clubs fought out a 1-1 draw in China a fortnight ago and meet again in what is a must-win game for Victory to keep their hopes of progressing past the group stage alive.

The last-start draw was Victory-s first point of their Asian campaign, while Tianjin Teda (7 points) occupies top-spot in Group E, something Brebner spoke about on Monday.

“As it stands they are top of the group, but we went over there to China and felt like we dominated the majority of the match,” Brebner said.

“I don’t think there’s anybody who watched that game would say that we didn’t deserve to come away with three points.”

“It was encouraging. We are confident, without being overconfident of getting a result. It’s obviously important to get a win first and foremost for the club and to repay the fans would be great.”

The last-start draw was just the second point Victory has earned on the road in eight ACL matches and the Scotsman offered a frank admission when quizzed on the reasons for the lean haul.

“We always said for the first three years it was going to be trial and error,” Brebner said.

“Adelaide have proved you can do it, there’s not many excuses we can put. I’d probably say we’ve not been good enough on occasion.”

Brebner, who battled a calf strain during the latter stages of the Hyundai A-League season, declared himself 100 per cent fit and will anchor Victory’s midfield against Arie Haan’s men.

He is tipped to be joined in the starting line-up by Socceroos striker Robbie Kruse, who has overcome jet lag created by four major plane trips (Germany and back, China and back).

As for the Victory Medal winner’s thoughts on interim coach Mehmet Durakovic, Brebner offered.

“It’s obviously been different – different managers have different styles,” Brebner said.

“I’ve been in the game 16 or 17 years now, there’s rarely been a season when I’ve never had to change due to a managerial change. It’s one of those things that’s happened now and we get on with it.”

Kick-off is at 7.30pm.