DUNDALK WILL HOPE to bring their imperious domestic form to the European stage tonight when they begin their Champions League qualifying campaign in Belarus.
The SSE Airtricity League champions go into the tie against BATE Borisov as outsiders but that’s more of a reflection of their opponents rather than the Lilywhites’ credentials.
Stephen Kenny’s side are on a run of just one defeat in 25 league outings but an away fixture against an outfit with 15 internationals in their ranks is a different ball game.
The Belarusian champions have regularly featured in the group stages of Europe’s elite club competition and will provide Dundalk with their toughest assignment under Kenny’s stewardship.
It’s the second successive season the Lilywhites have played in Europe after reaching the Europa League second qualifying round twelve months ago.
A famous win in Croatia against Hajduk Split wasn’t enough to advance on that occasion but Kenny believes his players will have taken confidence from that campaign.
“We won three of our four games in Europe last season and have been going well domestically as well, so we’ll take a lot of confidence from that,” he said on the eve of the game.
“They are a very good side but we’re a good side ourselves and we have some good players. We are in good form so we’re ready for the game and we’re all looking forward to it. We are very proud that we are Ireland’s representative to be in the Champions League.”
The Dundalk squad arrived in Minsk slightly later than planned after their charter flight from Dublin was delayed on Tuesday morning. Nonetheless, the travelling party are in full health and primed for what’s arguably the biggest night in the club’s recent history.
It’s the first time Dundalk have featured in the Champions League since 1991 when they were defeated by Hungarian outfit Kisped Honved 3-1 on aggregate but the runaway League of Ireland leaders haven’t lost on the road in 18 matches.
Andy Boyle has fully recovered from the calf injury which curtailed his involvement in the win against Galway last week and the Dundalk manager knows his side will need to up their game at the Borisov Arena.
“We’re not going to sit deep and defend,” Kenny added. “We need to be in control of the game ourselves but that’s easier said than done.
“I’ve real believe in the talent we have and the players’ attitude is exceptional. We’ll need to play above ourselves and play the game of our lives to get a result.”
Kick-off is at 6.30pm Irish time.
