Two tough European draws for Shamrock Rovers

Shamrock Rovers will face either Steaua Bucharest or Maccabi Tel Aviv if they beat Sparta Prague in the Champions League second round, while the Hoops have also been handed a tough Europa League draw if they move to that competition.

A win over Prague would represent one of the best results in the history of Irish clubs in Europe as they look to cause a major shock on Tuesday night over two legs.

The Romanian and Israeli side will meet in the second round and will represent another step up if Stephen Bradley's do manage to reach the next stage.

The Hoops are on a 'Champions Path' in qualifying, meaning a loss in the Champions League will see them drop into the third round of the Europa League.

The toughest option in the draw was the loser of Slovenia side NK Celje or Slovan Bratislava from Slovakia and they were indeed paired with the tie involving Shamrock Rovers.

Both Celje and Slovan have experience of playing Irish sides in recent years.

Bratislava's game was against the Hoops as they won 3-2 on aggregate in 2021.

The Slovenian oufit comfortably beat Dundalk in 2020.

The winner of the Europa League tie will move to the play-off round of the competition, while also guaranteeing UEFA Conference League group phase football as well.

The loser will drop down to the Conference League play-off round.

Shelbourne and St Patrck's Athletic were in the third round of the UEFA Conference League qualifying this afternoon.

The winner of the tie between FC Zurich and Shels will meet either Vitória SC from Portugal or Floriana FC of Malta.

Pat's or FC Vaduz will face the side emerging from the Maccabi Haifa FC (Israel) v FC Sabah (Azerbaijan) tie.

Champions League second round qualifying draw:

Winner ofShamrock Rovers or Sparta Prague v