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Europa away day for Inverness Inverness take the high road to Romania in their first competitive venture into Europe as they try to overturn a one goal deficit to stay in the Europa Cup. Astra scored the only goal in the Scottish Highlands to take a slim advantage into the second leg of this match with the winners facing a possible game against West Ham United in the next round. The troops are on their way to Giurgiu, about 40 miles South of the Romanian capital of Bucharest, and a substantial following will be on hand to take in this game. Most will be taking in the delights of Bucharest before heading south to Giurgiu, a less hospitable destination than the old town of the Romanian capital with it's street cafes and bars waiting for the tourist. Inverness warmed up for this one by beating County 1-0 at the weekend. Nairn County that is. Comeback captain Richie Foran scored the only goal as we continued our pre-season at Station Park. Astra meanwhile, suffered a 5-1 hammering at home to League rivals ASA Targu Mures, Budescu scoring their only goal. This was their second League game this season, their first being a 2-2 draw at home to Concordia Chiajna. Budescu and Oros scored in that one. There was little between the sides in the first leg at Inverness and many felt that John Hughes' side could have at least earned a draw. However, with Astra scoring the away goal, it means that the Caley Jags must score in Giurgiu to have any hope of going further in the tournament, with the big carrot of West Ham being dangled in front them. Criticism of Hughes choice of goalkeeper for the first leg was intensified when Fon Williams looked suspect at the free kick, failing to keep out a routine strike from Budescu. Ryan Esson has done little to deserve being on the bench after his Scottish Cup heroics and Hughes will have a choice to make here. David Raven failed to start at right back leaving Josh Meekings to cover for him, and Carl Tremarco missed out at left back, Danny Williams deputising there with Graeme Shinnie away. Nat Wedderburn had a decent debut, but like Lopez, needs more games to get up to speed. This Euro adventure may have come too soon for Inverness, especially so soon after having to break up their Cup winning side, but them's the breaks as they say. The good news is that Richie Foran got more game time at Nairn and scored a goal into the bargain. That's something we seem to be lacking so far with no recognised striker in place at the moment. Great to have Richie back though, and his leadership will be vital. This is a tough game for Inverness and despite Astra getting thumped at the weekend, I will presume they were saving themselves for a wee Europa league adventure, and that may well come at our expense. However, underdogs, backs to the wall, and with something to prove, it would be dangerous to write us off yet. Out are Carl Tremarco, cup final hero James Vincent and long term injured Dean Drill. Our problems are in attack and Jordan Roberts could get more than the ten minutes he got in the first leg. Budescu and William were the main threat in the first leg and with home advantage we may see Astra come out of their shell a little more, and that could play into our hands. Difficult to call this game, it's a step into the unknown, but going by the first game, there's not much between the sides. With the Hammers favourites to play the winner, then that could be sufficient incentive for Inverness to spring a surprise. Good luck and safe journey to all the Caley Jags fans who have made the trip to witness this first historic away game on the banks of the Danube. Just a short walk over the friendship bridge would take them into Bulgaria, so go easy on the Ursus and Mastícă.