Stephen Bradley has admitted that Shamrock Rovers landed their best possible chance to progress in the Champions League - but he won’t be taking progress past Maltese side Hibernians for granted.
Particularly as Rovers have been drawn at home in the first-leg.
Despite being seeded, the Hoops could have been paired with Polish giants Lech Poznań, as well as clubs from Bosnia & Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Georgia.
Hibernians famously eliminated Shelbourne on goal-difference in 2002, but since then have only made it through a round three times in 16 attempts.
Bradley said: “Anyone in the Champions League is going to be a good side, but when you look at the other teams in the draw, we've avoided some really big teams.
“You'd obviously look to be away from home first and at home second. You get a feel for them over there.
“We're at home and they'll come with a different mentality.
“We have to make sure we're ready for them. We know conditions will play a part over there.
“All professional players are conditioned well throughout the year but it's definitely a help that they don't begin their season until August. There's no point saying otherwise.
“It doesn't guarantee anything but it helps Irish clubs that we're mid-season and has done throughout the years.”
Rovers will host Hibernians on July 5 or 6, with the away leg taking place in Malta on July 12 or 13.
Meanwhile, Sligo Rovers will take on Welsh side Bala Town in the Europa Conference League. They will travel for the first-leg on July 7, with the away leg taking place in the Showgrounds seven days later.
And Derry City are at home to Riga FC on July 7, before they head to Latvia for the second leg of their tie on July 14.
St Patrick’s Athletic, who enter the Conference League at the second qualifying round, will find out their opponents on Wednesday morning.
Potential second round opponents for Shamrock Rovers, Sligo Rovers and Derry City will also be drawn.
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