League of Ireland clubs eye financial windfall and European benchmark

As well as any potential financial windfall, European football offers Irish clubs the chance to measure progress at an international level, according to RTÉ soccer analyst Paul Corry.

Shamrock Rovers, Derry City, Dundalk and St Patrick's Athletic all fly the European flag, with Rovers first up in their Champions League first qualifying round tie against Breidablik of Iceland (live coverage on RTÉ2).

In the Europa Conference League first qualifying round, Dundalk take on Bruno’s Magpies of Gibraltar, Pat’s have Luxembourg opposition in the form of F91 Diddeleng, while the Candystripes face against Faroese side Havnar Boltfelag.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Paul Corry says the upcoming two-legged ties will be something of a litmus test regarding the standard of Irish football.

"It serves as a benchmark of progression for the clubs, and people’s eyes will be fixed on how many sides can get through rounds, whether or not Shamrock Rovers can make the group stages again, but more importantly, financially the opportunities are massive," he said.

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"By winning the first round in the Champions League last year, they were guaranteed a sum of €1.4m. Their Conference League group stage pocketed them €3.3m."

The former Shamrock Rovers player is hopeful that his former team can overcome some indifferent form to make their mark in the European competition.

Breidablik won a league title for the second time in their history last season and are currently third in the Icelandic top-flight, with