Sligo Rovers -v- KS Vllaznia Shkoder
Credit: Extratime Team (ETPhotos)
Sligo Rovers are the first League of Ireland side in European action this season (kick-off 7 p.m.) when they take on Albanian side KS Vllaznia Shkoder in front of what promises to be a sell-out crowd at The Showgrounds.
While the ground's capacity has been limited to 2,700, it should still be a raucous atmosphere in the North-West as Paul Cook's small band of full-timers aim to pocket a "dream" tie with Rapid Vienna in the next stage of the revamped and re-named Europa League.
Many moons have passed since Sligo last tasted a European night of note. Following their Cup win in 1994, a Cup-Winners Cup campaign began against the now Roddy Collins-managed Floriana of Malta, with more links to the present day coming from the fact that current assistant manager Gerry Carr provided the astute pass for John "Jumbo"Brennan to slot in the winning goal, the Bit'O Red advancing 3-2 on aggregate. Creditable performances followed against top Belgian side FC Brugge before Intertoto action two years later saw them earn home draws with both Heerenveen and French outfit Nantes.
Now back in the spotlight, Rovers have had to fend off financial disaster to get to this point with the current manager at the helm. They have struggled in the league but in a one-off scenario, as proven by their recent cup win over Cork City, they are a match for anyone. The one worry would be that Cork created a large number of chances on that night, and if the Albanians are to a similar standard, then a much-needed clean sheet will only be gotten if Richard Brush can continue to perform heroics as he did on that occasion.
Raf Cretaro is the dynamo generating all the side's power going forward and he will need to get greater support from Romauld Boco if Sligo are to prosper. Doubts linger over the availability of Gavin Peers and Shaun Holmes, but Cook is lucky to have a versatile defender like Alan Keane on the books.
Monetary gains from making the second preliminary round are to the forefront of most people connected to the club's thoughts at the moment, but Sligo will underestimate Vllaznia at their peril and Cook has articulated the need for caution. Away goals, be it in Champions League semis or qualifying rounds, are the most crucial currency on offer tomorrow night and the visitors will look to snaffle one to take back to their partizan support next Thursday.
While the ground's capacity has been limited to 2,700, it should still be a raucous atmosphere in the North-West as Paul Cook's small band of full-timers aim to pocket a "dream" tie with Rapid Vienna in the next stage of the revamped and re-named Europa League.
Many moons have passed since Sligo last tasted a European night of note. Following their Cup win in 1994, a Cup-Winners Cup campaign began against the now Roddy Collins-managed Floriana of Malta, with more links to the present day coming from the fact that current assistant manager Gerry Carr provided the astute pass for John "Jumbo"Brennan to slot in the winning goal, the Bit'O Red advancing 3-2 on aggregate. Creditable performances followed against top Belgian side FC Brugge before Intertoto action two years later saw them earn home draws with both Heerenveen and French outfit Nantes.
Now back in the spotlight, Rovers have had to fend off financial disaster to get to this point with the current manager at the helm. They have struggled in the league but in a one-off scenario, as proven by their recent cup win over Cork City, they are a match for anyone. The one worry would be that Cork created a large number of chances on that night, and if the Albanians are to a similar standard, then a much-needed clean sheet will only be gotten if Richard Brush can continue to perform heroics as he did on that occasion.
Raf Cretaro is the dynamo generating all the side's power going forward and he will need to get greater support from Romauld Boco if Sligo are to prosper. Doubts linger over the availability of Gavin Peers and Shaun Holmes, but Cook is lucky to have a versatile defender like Alan Keane on the books.
Monetary gains from making the second preliminary round are to the forefront of most people connected to the club's thoughts at the moment, but Sligo will underestimate Vllaznia at their peril and Cook has articulated the need for caution. Away goals, be it in Champions League semis or qualifying rounds, are the most crucial currency on offer tomorrow night and the visitors will look to snaffle one to take back to their partizan support next Thursday.
About Alan Dooley
is one of Extratime's longest serving contributors. Based in County Galway, Alan has been following the League of Ireland since the mid-1980s. His first memory of the drama of domestic football was Vinny Arkins, then … View Full Profile