Shamrock Rovers pose next European challenge for New Saints

The Oswestrians have enjoyed an historic season with the club becoming the first Welsh league club to qualify for the group stages of a European competition and the first to win a game following their 2-0 win over Astana of Kazahkstan in Shrewsbury last month.

Such has been the Saints' success in Europe this season that Wales' four English League club have begun lobbying for a place in Welsh cup competitions and a chance to qualify for Europe in future.

The Republic of Ireland club currently sit 10th in the conference table with four points from the first two games, with a win against Larne and a draw with APOEL Nicosia.

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TNS are 19th with three points from their opening two matches.

Head coach Craig Harrison has targeted seven points to qualify with victory in Ireland essential to their plans.

"It will be a tough game and a different one to the Astana game," said Harrison. "We have a few big decisions to make in terms of selection and while we appreciate some players will be disappointed to be left out part of being a good team-mate is supporting players when you are not named.

"It is also important to remember the lads are looking at this as part of a European campaign."

Harrison was happy with three wins in a busy week but was not so content with the club's defensive record.

"Defending is a fundamental part of winning football matches and we will analyse our performance in the last few games now we have some more time to do so," said Harrison. "Certainly standards will never be allowed to slip in that regard while I am in charge so we have some work to do."