UCD set for latest test on UEFA Youth League journey

The UCD team starting XI against Stjarnan pose for a team photo before their Youth League first leg at the UCD Bowl

The UCD team starting XI against Stjarnan pose for a team photo before their Youth League first leg at the UCD Bowl Credit: UCD

While UCD's first-team are gearing themselves up for a crunch two-legged playoff clash with Bray Wanderers this weekend, the Students’ Youth League side have a big test of their own in store. 

The Sky Blues - led by Shane Fox - face Kosovo outfit FC 2 Korriku in a two-legged tie home and away for a shot at facing Maribor of Slovenia or Ukrainian giants Dynamo Kyiv in the third qualifying round of the competition.

Though it will not be easy for the South Dubliners who dismissed Stjarnan of Iceland in the previous round of the competition - winning 5-3 on aggregate.

Having already progressed to the second qualifying round of the Youth League, a win over two legs for UCD would see them reach the third qualifying round of the Youth League.

And their cause has been aided with the availability of first-team players Adam Brennan, Hugh Parker and Matthew Alonge.

Parker even scored against Longford Town in the First Division on Friday evening - kickstarting a 2-2 fightback draw for the Students on the final night of the 2024 league campaign. 

Rory Lawlor also caught the eye against Stjarnan with a goal in the 3-0 first-leg triumph at the UCD Bowl.

And first-team manager Willie O’Connor is hoping that the club’s young guns can kick off a big week with a first leg win in Kosovo.

“There's a lot of work in terms of trying to manage minutes and loads at the moment between the Under-20s, College games and the first team games," the Donegal man said.



“The Under-20s are going to Kosovo on Monday and play on Wednesday so hopefully they do well out there. They'll be back on Thursday, so that might rule a few of them out for the first leg but they’ll be back for the second leg on Monday.”

But Kosovo outfit FC 2 Korriku will likely pack a punch having already come through a two-legged tie against Albanians Bylis.

Korriku won both legs 2-1 to advance 4-2 on aggregate. 

The first-leg takes place at the near 14,000-capacity Fadil Vokrri Stadium in Kosovo tomorrow at 5pm Irish Time.

The return leg is set to take place at the UCD Bowl on Wednesday November 6th at 7pm.

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