Astra boss urges side to show strong campaign has been no fluke

The Romanian side enter the final game of the Europa League group stage in second position in Group E - and know a victory will send them into the next round.

Results elsewhere could be enough for them to progress to the knockout rounds, and Sumudica admits that concentration could be divided.

"We'll do our best but of course we'll have one eye on the result in Plzen," Sumudica said. "Although Roma have a lot of players missing, they will still start as favourites. Roma's second string, if you will, are better or at least on a par with many sides in the Romanian league."

Asked if the game was the biggest of his managerial career to date, Sumudica demurred.

"It's very important but the biggest one for me was the match at West Ham in the qualifying rounds," he said. "Much like everyone else, I didn't think we could go through. Then West Ham came to Giurgiu with their reserves and I started to believe. The referee was terrific in that game.

"The match in London remains the most important one in terms of the intensity at the time."

The boss was then asked which players from his side could stand up and give the likes of Francesco Totti a challenge.

"I won't draw comparisons," he said. "What matters is having 11 players on the pitch plus those on the bench. I expect a great game of football because we have to get points at home.

"We've got results on our travels and need to show that it's no fluke we've made it this far, to still be in the hunt for qualification."