I am itching with nerves and excitement. I am full of confidence, yet overflowing with pessimism. I can see us scoring three tonight, yet I can see us conceding four.

Is it just that I am a Spurs fan that I feel these feelings or is this the emotional rollercoaster that all fans go through before their maiden Champions League debut? Is it simply the case that the burden of being a Spurs fan amplifies all of the afore mentioned emotions? I have watched our side flounder against Wigan and fail to put WBA to the sword; yet I still have optimism against seasoned Champions League veterans Werder Bremen.

I know that we should go tonight and shut up shop. But the Lilywhite inside me knows the tradition. I've read 'The Glory Game', I know what Bill Nich would do if he were managing tonight, I know that Tottenham's European tradition is built on flair and grit.

Peter Crouch is no Martin Chivers, we don't have a Danny Blanchflower, but I still believe.

Knowing all this, as I do. Knowing that if we are beaten tonight, I will feel crushed. Knowing that the chances of a team progressing past the groups is so slim. I still believe.

It's because I am Lilywhite through-and-through and I will be in that number, if it's today or 60 years from now. Come on you spurs!