The New Saints have grounds for optimism as they sense a shock in tonight’s Europa League showdown with fancied Danish side FC Midtjylland (7pm).

The second qualifying round clash will be staged on the artificial surface of Park Hall, and not at Wrexham’s Racecourse which has been the venue of so many of TNS’ nights in Europe.

Although the odds are stacked against the Welsh Premier runners-up, Saints boss Mike Davies admits staging the game on their artificial surface gives them an advantage.

“This is going to be fantastic opportunity against a great team with European history,” he said. “I know they’ve been training on the 3G surface, but they won’t fancy coming here.

“We realise it’s going to be a big ask but we’ve shown what we’re capable of, particularly at home where we’ve got a good record.”

However, despite their pitch advantage, Davies admits his side will be pushed to the limit as they look to complete a fine seven days that saw them win 1-0 (agg 2-1) at Belfast side Cliftonville in the Europa League followed by a 2-1 victory over Shrewsbury in the Shropshire Senior Cup.

Midtjylland will be a different proposition, having finished fourth in the Danish Superliga last season and, famously winning 1-0 at Manchester City in the UEFA Cup in 2008.

“Credit to our lads for last week’s win, but tonight is a different ball game to the Irish and we’re now going up another couple of notches,” said Davies.

Phil Baker and fellow defender Steve Evans are both expected to shake off injury worries and feature in an unchanged squad for the first leg.