IRELAND MANAGER MARTIN O’Neill has lent his support to Dundalk as the League of Ireland club prepare for the biggest night in their history.
Stephen Kenny’s side welcome Legia Warsaw to the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday evening for the first leg of their Champions League playoff, with a place in the group stage proper on the line.
The stakes couldn’t be any higher for the domestic champions and O’Neill, who was in attendance for their thrilling win over BATE Borisov, has sent a message of support to the manager, players and supporters of Dundalk.
“When the final whistle blew in Tallaght less than a fortnight ago it signalled the start of glorious celebration,” he said.
“Dundalk had defied great odds to knock out BATE Borisov, serial qualifiers for the Uefa Champions League Group Stages. And in so doing, they played magnificently, scoring three brilliant goals to complete an unforgettable evening.
“It was an absolute privilege to witness such a performance. Everything needed to go through was on show – desire, passion, drive, great passages of play, and patience. All of these qualities will again be needed against Legia Warsaw.
“But Stephen Kenny has instilled a very strong self belief in the team, clearly evident in the trophies won in recent seasons. From a distance it seems they possess outstanding characters in the squad, a great team spirit and a strong mentality.”
After the final whistle in Tallaght, O’Neill paid a visit to the home dressing room where he congratulated the players for ‘one of the best performances’ in Irish football history.
They will need to replicate their heroics over the next 180 minutes as they bid to make history and become the first League of Ireland club to reach the Champions League group stages.
A large crowd is expected at Lansdowne Road for Wednesday’s first-leg with the FAI reducing ticket prices to ensure as many people get behind Dundalk on what promises to be a memorable night.
“Dundalk have already given the SSE Airtricity League an enormous boost,” O’Neill added.
“Qualification for the Group Stage of the Champions League would be absolutely incredible. The atmosphere in Tallaght was electric and the supporters played a very important part that evening. I’m sure the same will apply at the Aviva Stadium.
“Final hurdles, by nature, are difficult to overcome, but if the performance in Tallaght is any type of barometer, they will still be there fighting at the end. I wish Stephen, his team and his club, the best of luck.”
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