European stage brings McEneff brothers head to head for the first time

For the McEneff brothers, a European meeting didn't feel like an inevitability.

Truth be told, like many, they weren’t exactly sure if the new UEFA Conference League draw format even made it possible but, on Thursday, they are set to cross paths competitively for the first time ever as Larne welcome Shamrock Rovers to Windsor Park.

Artificial intelligence had assisted draw-makers in Monaco in August and when all was said and done, a first major all-Ireland European clash was confirmed. With it came the chance for Larne’s Jordan and Rovers’ Aaron to finally sit in opposing dressing rooms, having never even shared one at senior level.

Moving to Arsenal's youth academy after representing Derry at Under-19 level, Jordan McEneff (23) finally made it back to his hometown in 2022, but his older brother (29) was long gone by then, playing for the Hoops, Hearts, Perth Glory and then returning back to Tallaght in January this year.

"We were texting as the draw was going on," Jordan McEneff told RTÉ Sport, ahead of the Windsor Park clash, the game scheduled for Belfast as Larne’s ground is unable to host the tie.

"Both of us were hoping for the big draw against Chelsea but I didn’t really know what way the draw worked before watching it because it’s a new format.

"I didn’t know we were able to get Rovers so when it came out we were straight on the phone, we couldn’t believe it.

"My Da’s a Rovers fan so he’ll probably be in the Rovers end and my Ma will be in the Larne end."

For the entire family, the novelty factor of the pair clashing - if selected - after both overcame recent knocks adds extra intrigue, as Larne try to bounce back from their loss to Molde while the Dublin side try to build on their encouraging draw with APOEL.

"We’ve