Icelandic opposition again for Hoops in Champions League, Derry City and Shelbourne drawn with Gibraltarian sides

Shamrock Rovers have been paired with Vikingur Reykjavík from Iceland in the first round of qualifying for the Champions League.

The Hoops were seeded going into the draw.

It is the second year in a row that the Tallaght side have been drawn to face the champions of Iceland.

They were beaten last season by Breidablik in a disappointing European campaign.

Progressing to the second round would guarantee a third round Europa League qualifying tie as well as a play-off for the Conference League.

The loser of the first round Champions League encounter will drop to the second round of the Conference.

The tie with Vikingur will be played on 9/10 July and 16/17 July. The Icelandic team will play at home first.

Derry City and Shelbourne will face sides from Gibraltar in Europa Conference League first round qualifying draw.

Derry will meet Bruno's Magpies, the side Dundalk knocked out in the first round last year. It's the third year in succession the Magpies will head to this island after clashing with Crusaders the previous season.

Despite being unseeded, Shels will also meet Gibraltarian opposition in St Joseph's FC.

Their last European game was in 2022 when knocking out Northern Irish outfit Larne 1-0 on aggregate, before losing 11-0 to Sparta Prague.

It's a kind outcome for Shels as they look forward to their long-awaited return to European competition.

The Candystripes will travel in the first leg on 11 July, with Shels at home on that date.

The second legs take place on 18 July. The second round draw is on Wednesday.

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