Derry City draw Trabzonspor in Europa League

FAI Cup Champions Derry City have been handed the toughest draw of all League of Ireland sides in Europe this season, with a daunting trip to Turkish side Trabzonspor awaiting them  in the Europa League second qualifying round.

It will be Derry’s first venture into Europe since the club was expelled from the League of Ireland in 2009, before returning to the League’s First Division in 2010. Although having qualified for Europe in the 2011 season, under UEFA rules, the club could not enter European competition for a further year.

Arguably, this is regarded as the toughest draw that Declan Devine’s side could have got. Trabzonspor have international players such as former Spurs midfielder Didier Zokora, Austrian striker Marc Janko, former West Brom defender Marek Cech and current Turkish international Halil Altintop, all in their ranks, and finished last season as runners-up in the Turkish Cup, losing to Fenerbahce 1-0 in the final.

The second qualifying round will take place on 18 and 25 July, with the Candystripes being afforded home advantage for the second leg.

More reaction to follow.