Semin sends Kravets message to Metalist

FC Metalist Kharkiv's task has been made slightly more daunting by FC Dynamo Kyiv coach Yuri Semin's assessment that striker Artem Kravets can play "much better" despite scoring four goals in his last three games, including two against Valencia CF in the last round of the UEFA Cup.

Young gun
Kravets also scored in Dynamo's 2-0 Premier League win at Metalist on 4 March, but Semin believes the 19-year-old has plenty more to offer. "I think Kravets can score even more," he said. "He is able to play much better, but he needs to find openings more often. We are working on that and I hope he can fulfil his potential." Dynamo, incidentally, extended their lead over Metalist to eleven points on Sunday with a 4-1 victory over fourth-placed FC Vorskla Poltava as their nearest rivals were held at lowly FC Lviv.

Hot streak
That took Kravets to four goals from his last three outings having struck twice at the Mestalla in the Round of 32 second leg as Dynamo ousted Valencia on away goals. "I've started to understand coaches better and gained more confidence," Kravets said. "I will try to score another goal on Thursday as it's no secret that we are keen to wrap up the tie in our home leg. Though everybody knows it will not be easy." For the first leg, Dynamo are without first-choice full-backs Andriy Nesmachniy and Badr El Kaddouri who are both suspended.

'Different game'
Kharkiv coach Myron Markevich has no such selection worries and is expecting a totally different game to the recent league encounter, as Ukrainian clubs go head-to-head for the very first time in UEFA competition. "We know each other so well that we can hardly surprise each other," said the 58-year-old. "Our recent league setback against Dynamo unsettled us a bit, but this will be much more difficult for them. There's no doubt it will be a different game." Indeed, Metalist are in formidable form in the UEFA Cup; they have not conceded in six games and defeated UC Sampdoria 3-0 on aggregate in the last round.