Eric ready for Besiktas battle

Eric Dier expects Besiktas to come looking for maximum points as we resume Europa League duties on Thursday.

All four teams are tied on a point each in Group C after the first round of matches a fortnight ago, meaning both sides will be keen on registering victory when we meet the Turkish outfit at White Hart Lane.

Defender Eric, who went on as a substitute for the injured Danny Rose in the closing stages of Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Arsenal in the Premier League, believes we’ll have to be on our guard to avoid defeat against a side that was only knocked out of the Champions League Play-Off by a single goal at Arsenal earlier this season.

“Our focus now turns towards Besiktas and I’m sure it will be another really hard game,” said Eric, whose only Europa League run-out for us to date came in the 2-1 Play-Off Round first leg win at AEL Limassol in August.

“There are never any easy games in football, both in European or domestic competitions, and that’s certainly true when thinking about Thursday’s game.

“Obviously they’re a big club but we’re strong at home, so hopefully they’ll come to play and it will be a good game.

“Hopefully the fans will support us as loudly as usual and I hope in turn we will give them a good result.”