Gourcuff hoping to catch Milan´s attention against Roma

Bordeaux midfielder Yoann Gourcuff will have two reasons to try to impress when his team take on AS Roma at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday in a crucial Champions League group A clash.

Both sides know that a victory will see them qualify for the knock-out stages although Bordeaux will be aware that anything other than a win will see them eliminated.

Roma could lose and still go through but that would require Chelsea to fail to beat Romanian minnows CFR Cluj at home.

This is the only group with three teams still fighting for qualification for the second round while only one other group has not had both progression spots filled already.

But for Frenchman Gourcuff there is more than just the motivation of staying in the tournament to fire him up.

The 22-year-old is actually on a season-long loan at the French club from Italian giants AC Milan and ideally would like to force his way into the Milan first team next season.

A starring role on Tuesday would go some way to helping him achieve that aim having decided to go out on loan this season to get more regular first team football following two years as a bit part player at the San Siro.

Keeping Bordeaux in the tournament, and pushing them into the latter stages, would give him the opportunity to show Milan's scouts his abilities at the top level.

But it won't be easy for a team who lost their opening two group games, 4-0 at Chelsea and 3-1 at home to Roma.

Gourcuff says Bordeaux must reproduce the same spirit they showed in holding Chelsea to a 1-1 draw two weeks ago, a game they largely dominated.

“It will be a pleasure to return to Italy, I hope we'll qualify. We can do it if we all concentrate,” he said.

“We need the same spirit we showed in the last match. Roma are used to big matches. We have the quality to make life difficult for teams at this level. We have to give our all for 90 minutes.

“We can't have any regrets and we can't be intimidated. It would be great if a second French team (after Lyon) could qualify for the last 16.”

Bordeaux come into the game in mixed form having won only two of their last six league games.

Roma, on the other hand, have finally found their feet this season after a disastrous opening to their campaign.

They lost six of their first nine Serie A matches and were also beaten 2-1 at home to Cluj in their first Champions League match but they have since turned their season around.

They currently sit top of the group and have won their last four league matches and last five in all competitions.

“Roma are back, we're playing good football and showing superior quality to our league position (14th),” said coach Luciano Spalletti.

“The general development of the team is always vital but you must also have the right players at your disposal.

“Even so it's always the team and the spirit of the lads which makes the difference.

“Tuesday's will be a vital match, a game that has captured the public's immagination, which can be seen by the ticket sales, it's practically a sell-out.

“We have to approach it with calm and we'll do what we can because we don't want for motivation.”