Pyunik (0) v Derry City (0): The intense Armenian heat burns day and night and Derry City may struggle in the conditions. But the club's new striker Sammy Morrow feels his employers are well positioned to topple FC Pyunick away from home this evening (4pm) and progress in the Champions League.

Derry dominated their opponents during last week's 0-0 draw at the Brandywell but failed to exploit a number of chances against a side desperate not to concede.  While the task ahead is a formidable one, Pyunick must come out and play this time and Morrow feels Derry can expose their vulnerabilities.

"I thought they sat in and made it very difficult for us in the first leg," the Northern Ireland prospect said.  "I think it will be easier for us out there bar the heat (up to 40 degrees by day and 30 at night). But they'll have to come and play on their own park. They sat in very deep and came for a draw which is what they got, but conceding no away goals was a big plus for us.

"They sat in and defended and were very tight. Their whole back five are internationals and have played for their country. They also beat Poland 1-0 in their last qualifier so they are far from mugs. But their full-backs didn't get up over the halfway line and they played a very tight game. They'll have to come out at home and play and hopefully we'll nick a goal and see how it goes."

Now settled in Yerevan following a gruelling 18-hour flight via London and Prague - further  complicated by visa difficulties on arrival in Armenia - Derry know a score draw will see them through to a second qualifying round clash with Shaktar Donetsk.  A European run emulating last season's would give the club a shot in the arm.

Morrow, who has played in Europe with Scottish side Hibernian, is settling in well at his home-town club having signed at the start of the month.  The 22-year-old worked with current manager John Robertson while on loan at Livingston and didn't dwell when Derry made an approach.  Indeed, he was Robertson's first signing at the Brandywell.

But Morrow has asked supporters to be patient with his progress.  Cruciate ligament damage 15 months ago knocked him off stride and the return to fitness has been exhausting.  Roberston has afforded him a handful of starts but Morrow knows he needs more time.

"I knew John having played under him at Livingston and as soon he became the manager my mind was made up," he said. " I was probably going to sign anyway, but when I heard he was coming in I was happy.

"But I hadn't kicked a ball in about three of four months and I've only made a couple of starts, so I've a hell of a lot of work to do.  I'll need seven or eight games before people start seeing the best of me. I'm looking forward to that and I'm working hard every day to try and get back to where I was."

Derry will be close to full strength for this evening's game; Sean Hargan and Pat MCourt return from suspension having missed the weekend draw at Bohemians. McCourt could be given license to roam behind a lone striker, perhaps either Morrow or Mark Farren, in a likely 4-5-1 formation.