Preview: Group stages on the line as Hoops face Shkupi

Shamrock Rovers enter what feels like the second phase of their European campaign with the ultimate target of group stage qualification this summer.

Having put up a brave effort against Ludogorets, and with regrets regarding how some of the 180 minutes played out, the Premier Division champions have been given a favourable route of advancing in second or third tier competitions.

The Europa League third round clash with North Macedonian outfit Shkupi brings the first opportunity to secure group stage football.

A win would earn a place in the Conference League, while defeat would see a decider against Ballkani (Kosovo) or KI (Faroe Islands).

Having missed out at the final hurdle against Flora Tallinn last year, these matches represent even better chances for the Hoops to realise their ambition of ending a wait of over a decade to follow up what Michael O'Neill and his players achieved.

Tallaght Stadium will once again welcome over 6,000 fans as, for the third time in a row, the Dublin outfit will begin a tie at home.

Shkupi have never been this far in European football in their short history.

But their performance in the last round against Dinamo Zagreb was hugely impressive, securing a 2-2 draw away from home before exiting on a 1-0 loss.

Dinamo have gone on to secure an away win over Ludogorets, so the warning sign is there for Stephen Bradley’s side.

They may be considered favourites but this is going to be a tough tie with the North Macedonian champions.

As a player, their manager Goce Sedloski was in the Macedonia side which secured a 3-2 win against the Republic of Ireland in Euro 2000 qualifying. That proved to be fatal for Ireland’s hopes.

A squad of mostly local players, they also had representatives from Jamaica, Nigeria,