Dundalk Aviva bound for Champions League play-off round

 

The Lilywhites defeated BATE Borisov 3-0 on the night, 3-1 on aggregate, last Tuesday at Tallaght Stadium with David McMillan (2) and Robbie Benson providing the goals for Stephen Kenny’s men.

Kenny’s side will know their play-off opponents after tomorrow’s draw which takes place in Nyon at midday. The first leg will be played on either August 16 or 17 and the second leg on August 23 or 24. 

 

This is the second such occasion that the FAI have made the Lansdowne Road venue available to a League of Ireland club for a Champions League Qualifier with Shelbourne having drawn 0-0 with Spaniards, Deportivo La Coruna at the old ground in 2004, a game which saw a crowd of 24,000 present.

 

Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny praised the FAI for their help in the build-up to their recent UEFA Champions League qualifiers and for their commitment of assistance around the next game at Aviva Stadium.

 

Kenny said: "The flexibility that the FAI have showed around League fixtures amongst the four clubs involved in Europe has helped the players recover adequately and that is important strategically when trying to reach your optimum level.

 

"Ger Dunne and his video analysis team, who have worked closely with our assistant manager, Vinny Perth, have helped us to prepare for our two previous opponents BATE Borisov and FH.

 

"We're delighted that our next game will be at the Aviva Stadium. The players want to play on the biggest stage and in the national stadium. What we dream of in this League to play in the Aviva Stadium and to have it full - that does not happen very often. 

 

"We experienced playing there with the FAI Cup Final last year so it is great to get to play in the Aviva Stadium again. We are very appreciative of the FAI's help in that regard."

 

The FAI will provide the SSE Airtricity League club with administrational, logistical and operational assistance, in the running of the game. The Association has begun a process of communication around the game with Dundalk, which includes the scheduling of domestic fixtures. 

 

FAI Director of Competitions Fran Gavin said it was important that everything that the club needed from a venue perspective was in place to help Dundalk prepare for one of the biggest occasions in its history.

 

"Dundalk's achievement in reaching the UEFA Champions League Play-Off Round should not be underestimated and they deserve tremendous credit for how they have conducted themselves on and off the pitch," said Gavin.

 

"We want to help the club to prepare in the best possible way to keep their great run in the competition going and we will arrange for everything to be in place with the Aviva Stadium as a home venue for Dundalk.

 

"I would encourage all supporters of Irish football to make their way to the Aviva Stadium and get behind Dundalk for what will be a very special night."