Sligo Rovers and St Patrick's Athletic have ensured this has been a positive campaign for League of Ireland clubs in Europe, as they prepare to go up a level tonight.With Sligo progressing through two rounds, including toppling Scottish side Motherwell, they are already ahead of expectations.Pat’s were not considered favourites to beat Mura, but held their nerve on penalties last week.Thoughts now turn to just how far the teams can go.
A successful year is one thing, but with just two rounds to go, they will be dreaming of more.The Bit O’ Red are in Norway to face a strong Viking FK side, while Pat’s face an even trickier task against CSKA Sofia.The latter is available to watch live on the RTÉ News channel or on RTÉ Player.CSKA Sofia v St Patrick's Athletic, 6pm, live on RTÉ News channelSt Patrick's Athletic have one of the stronger records of Irish clubs in Europe, and once again they progressed through a round last week.It was an important victory for Tim Clancy as he tries to build a squad in Richmond Park amid a sea of changes since Stephen O’Donnell’s exit.It was typical of their season so far that from winning in Europe came a defeat to First Division Waterford in the FAI Cup.There is no doubt the Saints are a work in progress under Clancy.CSKA have made a strong start to their domestic season and put four goals past Makedonija in the second round.Ludogorets’ home performance against Shamrock Rovers offers a barometer – they finished 12 points clear of CSKA last year – so it’s a big ask for Pat’s to go to Sofia and deliver a result.As mentioned, the Saints have done it before, from Russia to Bosnia and Slovenia last week.CSKA were runners-up last year and lost the cup final with Alan Pardew in charge.