Stuart McCall believes his Motherwell players need to try to keep their cool in the scorching heat of Athens to reach the Champions League play-off.

The Fir Park side lost 2-0 to Panathinaikos in the first leg of the third round qualifier last week leaving them with a mountain to climb in the Olympic Stadium this evening.

McCall, though, wants his players to take a patient approach, rather than going out all guns blazing.

"The heat means we can't go and play as we could in terms of getting at people," said the Well gaffer.

"We don't want to be dying on our feet after 30 minutes, especially on such a big pitch. I'd imagine they'd look to kill it by scoring early, so we need to establish a foothold.

"It won't be a case of sounding the bugle to attack or anything like that.

"The longer we can keep this second leg level the better. If we can get to the latter stages and maybe go for broke then that would be the plan.

"We'll certainly have to defend well and then if opportunities arise – as they did in the first leg – then hopefully we can take them.

"I have played and managed in games when we have only had two chances and scored two goals. We will have to be clinical and defend very well."

McCall sought inspiration from a play-off tie between Bradford City and Blackpool when his old club recovered from losing the first leg 2-0 to pull off a shock 3-0 win in the away tie.

He added: "I went to watch Bradford in the 1996 play-off semis, when they were up against a Blackpool side managed by Sam Allardyce.

"I was away with Rangers for the second leg and was trying to listen to it in the hotel.

"They went there, won 3-0 and got promotion by beating Notts County at Wembley in the final.

"But this would be the biggest achievement of all. Of course it would be highly unlikely, but if we can defend well and then nick a goal they might get a bit edgy. As long as we are very competitive that is all I can ask."

McCall will be without winger Chris Humphrey who has a hamstring complaint but is confident Omar Daley, Darren Randolph and Tom Hateley will all be fit to play.

McCall said: "Chris has a hamstring strain. It's not as bad as we first thought but it might still be a couple of weeks.

"Omar and Tom are the other two who are slightly struggling. I think they are both going to be okay, but the travelling with a four-and-a-half hour flight is another factor.

"Darren Randolph got off the bus journey from Dingwall at the weekend and had a back spasm but should be fine too."