The New Saints go into tonight’s Champions League qualifier with Bohemians desperate to shake off the burden of European nearly men.

It’s 14 years since the Saints first set foot in Europe – and the border side have been regulars on the big stage ever since, give or take the odd season.

Yet, despite some near misses, the Welsh Premier champions have yet to navigate the first hurdle as they prepare for tonight’s second qualifying round showdown with Bohemians at Park Hall (7pm).

Trailing 1-0 from last week’s first leg in Dublin, they have it all to do in the return if they hope to turn things around against their Irish counterparts.

There is a big carrot with Belgian giants Anderlecht waiting in the next round, as well as the substantial financial incentives of progressing in the competition.

Manager Mike Davies believes his TNS side have what it takes, but is under no illusion about the size of the task against a Bohs outfit who impressed in the first leg.

“It is evident that they are a quality side in the middle of their domestic season,” he said. “Even so, the belief I have in this group of players we have at TNS gives me hope that we have what it takes to go on to Belgium.

“We had our chances in the first leg, we’re feeling confident and I’m sure we will get chances tonight. We just need to take them.”

He added: “On reflection, my reaction to last week’s result in Dublin was one of disappointment as well as relief .

“On the one hand I was disappointed we didn’t convert some of our chances, on the other I was relieved that we kept them to just the one goal which was very important.”

TNS’ last Champions League outing came three years ago when they suffered an agonising exit on the away goals rule after drawing 4-4 against Latvian side FK Ventspils.

They can go into tonight’s clash with a clean bill of health, with boss Davies pondering his options.

The Saints have seen enough of the Irishmen to be impressed, particularly front runner Paddy Brennan who has since been subject of an approach from the border club.