The New Saints hope Irish eyes will smile when they journey to Bohemians for tonight’s Champions League second round qualifier.

Despite high profile clashes with Liverpool and Manchester City, and some stirring displays against lesser opposition, the Oswestry-based Saints are still yearning for success on the European stage after 11 years of trying.

Their last Champions League outing three years ago saw the Welsh Premier high fliers suffer an agonising exit on the away goals rule against Latvian side FK Ventspils.

But they will now be hoping they have what it takes to navigate the first hurdle this time around when they make the relatively short trip to Dublin’s Dalymount Park, home of the Bohemians.

Having run the rule over the Irish opposition, manager Mike Davies is savouring the challenge – although all too wary of the pitfalls against a side in the midst of summer football.

“They are a very good side, well organised and will be difficult to beat,” he said.

Underdogs

“They are also in mid-season which gives them a big advantage, while it’s fair to say we will be the underdogs.

“But our pre-season has gone really well, we’ve played some fantastic football and we’re all feeling very positive. I don’t think we could have done a lot more.”

TNS have twice travelled to Northern Ireland in their build-up, winning 2-0 in a friendly at Glentoran while sharing a goalless draw at Linfield.

They also overcame AFC Telford United 2-0 at home last week and another shut-out would do nicely in Dublin tonight.

Bohemians are currently going well, lying third in the Airtricity-backed Irish League premier division.

But they have injury worries with former Cardiff City striker Jason Byrne struggling to be fit after suffering a back injury — and his absence would be a big loss after netting 10 goals in Europe.

“I would say he is going to struggle, to be honest,” said Bohs’ manager Pat Fenlon, who can take heart that his Irish under-21 international Paddy Madden has stepped up to the plate with six goals in the past four games.

The Saints have a couple of concerns themselves, with winger Craig Jones suffering from a groin niggle, but Davies is hopeful that he will be passed fit.

The defence, under the marshalling of skipper Steve Evans and Phil Baker, has been miserly in pre-season, while the border men have further bolstered their backline by adding former Chester City centre half Connell Rawlinson to their squad as cover.

By JOHN BRIDGWATER