Preview: Sligo Rovers and Derry City in Europa action

Sligo Rovers and Derry City fly the flag for Ireland in European action on Thursday night.

The Bit O' Red are in Wales to take on Bala Town in the first round of the Europa Conference League, while the Candystripes host Riga FC.

All Irish sides in the Europa Conference League were unseeded this season, which usually makes them the underdog.

Sligo Rovers had some luck on their side as they've been paired with seeded Bala Town when much stronger opposition were in the draw.

Runners-up in the Welsh top flight last year behind runaway leaders TNS, the Lakesiders are part-time and have yet to begin their new season.

Dundalk played Welsh opposition last year as they saw off Newtown 5-0 over two legs.

While Bala are a stronger outfit, John Russell’s side will feel they have a big opportunity in front of them.

The winner of this tie will play Scottish outfit Motherwell in the next round, an appealing tie in terms of revenue, limited travel and most important a chance of progression against another out-of-season team.

Sligo have disappointed in Europe for much of their history.

They have recorded just one victory away from home, a famous 2-1 outcome against Rosenborg in 2014, but they still went out on aggregate over the two legs.

Floriana of Malta (1994) and Banga from Lithuania two decades later are the only ties they’ve ever progressed through.

Last year brought heartache when FH from Iceland used their experience and nous to see off Rovers when it seemed like the tie was there to be won.

The 3-1 loss on aggregate left scars on the Bit O’ Red and their season derailed during that summer.

They eventually got back on track to win the final three matches of the season to return to Europe this summer.

Russell took over from Liam Buckley last