Plzen likely opponent if Derry progress to play-off

Derry City are likely to meet Czech side Viktoria Plzen if they progress to the play-off round of the Europa Conference League.

The Candystripes are the sole League of Ireland side remaining in Europe and face Tobol Kostanay in the third round, beginning on Thursday.

City, having overcome KuPS of Finland, had been expected to meet Swiss giants Basel only for Tobol to eliminate last year's Conference League semi-finalists 5-4 on aggregate in the shock of the round.

Plzen take on Maltese outfit Gzira United this week for the right to reach the play-off.

Gzira have already eliminated St Patrick’s Athletic’s conquerors, FC Diddeleng.

The fourth round draw could have been tougher with the likes of Lille and Dynamo Kiev in the pool for possible play-off opponents, if Derry were to get there.

Derry have had one fixture postponed and another deferred with a 6,500km journey to Kazahkstan for the first leg this week.

The second leg is set to be played at Tallaght Stadium on 17 August due to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium not meeting UEFA requirements for this stage of qualifying.

Meanwhile for British clubs, Aston Villa will face Scottish side Hibernian or Swiss outfit Luzern in the play-off stage.

The Champions League play-off draw earlier saw Rangers paired against PSV Eindhoven or Sturm Graz if they progress, with Swiss side Servette up first.