League of Ireland sides in Europe Preview

League of Ireland in Europe Preview

With the prospect of European Qualifiers looming for many a League of Ireland club, I feel as if this is the perfect time to rate their chances of progress in Europe's elite footballing competitions. Dundalk were undoubtedly the trailblazers in last seasons campaign and the likes of Cork City and Derry City will be keen to make their own mark on the Europa League. Also, Shamrock Rovers will be hoping to emulate past achievements or even better them.

Dundalk FC were the fairytale story in the Irish footballing foray into European Football last season. Seeing off the challenge of FH in Iceland on away goals, they faced BATE Borisov, who are constant participants in the group stages. One goal down from the first leg they managed the impossible in Tallaght. A 3-0 win saw off the challenge of BATE, arguably one of the greatest results of an Irish side in Europe. Unfortunate in their 2 legged defeat to Legia Warsaw, they drooped into the Europa League where they were unlucky to miss out on the knockout stages. This years draw has pitted the Irish champions against a very tough opposition in the form of Rosenborg from Norway. Rosenborg, who are Norwegian double winners, are a stern test of Dundalk's steel. However, I can see Dundalk seriously testing the Norwegian champions in Oriel, and then who knows? A win here and the Lilywhites only need to win one more European tie to guarantee European football being played between September and December. Patrick McEleney will once again be one of the key men as the Dalk look to shock Europe once again.

Prediction: Reach the Europa League Playoff

Shamrock Rovers are another Irish side who have mixed it with the best in European Competition. Who can forget THAT Pat Sullivan wondergoal against Partizan Belgrade, or THAT  time when Rovers went one goal up at White Hart Lane thanks to that Stephen Rice deflection?  This year has seen the Hoops drawn against Icelandic side Stjarnan, who are well renowned for their goal celebrations. However, Rovers will not find this tie easy to say the least. In 2014, the Icelandic outfit claimed major scalps against Scottish side Motherwell and Polish outfit Lech Poznan before being comprehensively swept away by Inter Milan. Bradley will have to have his side well drilled if they are to prevail here. Being one of the more favourable picks from the group, Rovers will surely fancy their chances here. Also, the prospect of a home second leg means that The Hoops should surely qualify. A potential tie against Czech Republic side Mlada Boleslav also gives the South Dublin outfit a good shout of further progression. Rovers have a good, young and fearless side, but need to do away with their inconsistency if they are to progress into the latter rounds of qualifying. Trevor Clarke will need to produce on this stage along with many other Rovers players like Ronan Finn. I think they should dispatch of Stjarnan with their quality and youth but will find it tough as the rounds develop on.

Prediction: Reach the Third Qualifying Round of the Europa League

Cork City have more or less wrapped up the the SSE Airtricity League title with just over half of the season played. In a very fruitful season to date they were handed a very kind Europa League draw. Levadia Tallinn were drawn against the Irish cup holders. Last season saw City stun BK Hacken and run KRC Genk of Belgium very close. They also saw off Northern Irish side Linfield. This years draw was, in my eyes, kind to Cork City. The Leesiders have the added bonus of being able to avail of the services of Seanie Maguire before his move to Preston North End. Should Cork dispatch of their Estonian counterparts they will face either Lincoln Red Imps of Gibraltar or AEK Larnaca of Cyprus. Touch wood that Cork overcome Levadia Tallinn, they have a great chance of qualifying for the third round once again. As the rounds move on they may be hindered by the loss of Maguire and O'Connor, who is also on his way to Perston. However, I think Cork may go the full distance and make this a season to remember on many fronts, not just domestically.

Prediction: Reach Europa League Group Stages

Last, but certainly not least, I'll discuss Derry City's chances. The draw wasn't exactly kind to Derry as they were drawn against FC Midtjylland of Denmark. Midtjylland, are users of the famous analytical approach to football, Moneyball to much success. In previous years they have toppled European giants at home such as Manchester United using this model. Last season they also overcame a very game and technical outfit in Southampton. Derry City also have notable European wins under their belt under the guidance of current Dundalk boss Stephen Kenny. The Candystripes will have very good memories of that famous UEFA Cup run of 2006 and may have to look to this for inspiration. They face a very tall order in the face of their Danish opposition, almost made tougher with the club using the Showgrounds as a home venue instead of their temporary home, Maginn Park, which is nowhere near UEFA standards. However, the character of this Derry City side is second to none and are very capable of giving Midtjylland a serious run for their money. Keep it tight at the back in the first leg and who knows what might happen. Should Derry progress they will face the victors of the clash between Ferencvaros of Hungary or Jelgava of Latvia.

Prediction: Give a solid account of themselves but be edged out by a strong outfit in FC Midtjylland