Norling ready for Hibs challenge

Norling ready for Hibs challenge

Published Jul. 25, 2013 7:16 a.m. ET

Charlton Athletic boss Chris Powell says the door is open for Ricardo Fuller to re-sign for the Championship club.

The 33-year-old striker was released by the Addicks at the end of last season.

He could, however, be drafted back into The Valley ranks for 2013/14 after spending the summer training with Charlton.

Powell says he would be prepared to put terms to the former Stoke man if he indicated that an agreement was possible.

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Fuller has admitted to having options to consider this summer, but has also revealed that his preference would be to remain at Charlton.

On the situation as it stands, Powell said in the South London Press: "Ricardo was one that I always left the possibility of bringing back.

"I don't know about other options that he may have.

"I just shook his hand, told him it was good to see him and he has got on with his training. Maybe there is a conversation to be had."

The Swedish league leaders will visit Easter Road on an emotional night as Hibs fans pay tribute to one of the club's greatest players, Lawrie Reilly, who died on Monday aged 84.

In such a highly charged atmosphere, Hibs supporters will believe their team can overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit in the second qualifying round of the Europa League.

But Norling is sure his side can handle the atmosphere that awaits them.

"It's part of playing at the top level, you play against teams that have big fan bases," he said.

"Hibernian is such a team and we expect a noisy crowd.

"We enjoy it, that tells us it's a very important game.

"In Swedish football there are many top-class arenas and good atmosphere at stadiums. It's not only Malmo, other teams have good fans. We are used to it."

Norling was well aware of the sad news that hit Easter Road this week and vowed Malmo would pay their respects before the game.

"It's difficult for us to contribute with our awareness level, because we maybe don't have that understanding," he said.

"Whatever we can do to make it as good for the club and family we will try to do."

On the pitch, Malmo could face the added threat of fast and direct Hibs winger Alex Harris, who has trained all week after being restricted to 13 minutes in Sweden because of a thigh problem.

Norling said: "Alex Harris made a difference last week, all three subs made a difference. But we are ready for anything they have got."

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