BRAEHEAD CLAN will pose a stiffer test to Euro top seeds Vaxjo Lakers than the one that was hammered just over a week ago.

That was the view of Vaxjo captain Liam Reddox ahead of tonight's historic Champions Hockey League match at the Braehead Arena.

Last week the Swedish champions hosted Ryan Finnerty's men in what was their maiden match in continental competition. Despite a spirited showing that saw Stefan Meyer net twice for the Scots, it wasn't enough to halt a heavy 10-2 defeat.

However, Reddox isn't anticipating a repeat scoreline.

It was Clan's first competitive outing of the campaign and now they have a stronger pool of players to choose from, the Lakers skipper is on purple alert.

He said: “I definitely think we’ll face a tougher team than the one we faced in Växjö. Obviously with the team not fully complete then coming to meet us, it wouldn’t have been ideal.

“It was a tough challenge and after seeing them in their game in Ingolstadt [where Clan lost 5-2], they made progress and I think they’ll be even better come tonight.

“We’re definitely expecting a better and much improved after working together for the last week and we have to be ready for that."

Reddox added: “I was pleasantly surprised by Braehead when we played last week. I’d heard one of the new players was met in London before going to Sweden.

“They competed for the full 60 minutes and while it wasn’t the result they wanted, they kept pushing and improved throughout the game.

“They continued to work hard and I felt that showed a lot of character, despite the score getting to what it was.”

It will be an emotional night for the Vaxjo captain who is returning to his native homeland for the first time in 10 years.

The Canadian has Scots parentage and is relishing the prospect of having a few familiar faces in the crowd.

Reddox added: “It’s going to be pretty special in getting the chance to play in front of a lot of family and friends.

“It’s been ten years since I was last in Scotland visiting my family and I’m going to try and enjoy it and put in a good performance.

“Before we were drawn together, I didn’t know much about them at all to be honest. Growing up, I followed the Ayr Eagles a bit.

“All I know is there is going to be a large family contingent to see me play."