The New Saints midfielder Scott Ruscoe has moved second on the all-time list of Welsh Premier players who have appeared for their clubs in European competitions.

His appearance against Bohemians on Tuesday night was his 20th, surpassing the achievement of Andrew York and second-only to Gary Lloyd, who started 29 times for Barry Town, Carmarthen Town and Llanelli.

Shrewsbury born Ruscoe, currently living in Oswestry, played a key role in the midweek 4-0 win over Dublin side Bohemians to help secure his side’s passage to the third qualifying round of the Champions League.

And the 32-year-old Ruscoe will now add to that tally as he and his team-mates at the Oswestry-based side gear up for next Tuesday’s big clash with Belgian giants Anderlecht at Wrexham’s Racecourse ground.

“The Bohemians game was my 20th in Europe, so it’s about time we got through instead of thinking what might have been,” said the former Shrewsbury Town youth trainee. “It’s the best night I’ve had European wise.”

Ruscoe’s European campaign started back in 1998 when he appeared twice for Newtown in the Uefa Cup before signing for Chester in the summer of 2000.

Since joining the Saints in January 2002, he has made eight Champions League appearances, eight more in the Uefa Cup and two in the Europa League, including both legs of the ties against Liverpool and Manchester City.

A part of the successful Welsh semi-professional side that won the Four Nations trophy in 2004, the consistent Ruscoe is also the record Welsh Premier appearance holder with the Saints.