Manager Mike Davies believes The New Saints are in good shape as they look to spring a Europa League shock at troubled Bulgarian giants CSKA Sofia tomorrow night.

The Oswestry-based high fliers have already played four games in the Champions League this summer, first sweeping aside Irish outfit Bohemians 4-1 before losing over two legs to Belgian giants Anderlecht.

And they showed no hangover from their European exploits with a convincing 5-2 Welsh Premier victory over Prestatyn to launch their title defence in style.

They arrived in Bulgaria to discover that CSKA have been hit by the departure of coach Pavel Dochey while the club are also being probed for fielding an ineligible player in the previous round.

But, amid the Bulgarians’ unrest, Davies was more concerned about his own team’s preparations, being delighted with the display against Prestatyn.

Chances

“There was always a danger that after playing in front of 22,000 at Anderlecht in the Champions League the previous week, the lads may struggle to get up for the game against Prestatyn but they rose to the challenge,” he said.

“It was a bit disappointing to concede a couple of goals, but you can’t be too hard on the lads. We scored five, and had enough chances to have scored a few more.”

He added: “We’ve had a cracking time in Europe this summer, and we want it to continue. Not many are giving us a chance but we may just surprise a few people.”

Tickets for the return leg at Wrexham on Thursday, August 26, priced £10 with no concessions, are now on sale, while 2,000 free child tickets are also available.

They can be purchased from The Venue at Park Hall, which is open from 7am until late (01691 684840) or from the Wrexham club shop at the Racecourse Ground (01978 262129).