John Caulfield cited a demoralising double loss in Europe as a pivotal point in Cork City’s fortunes last season, the team’s subsequent slump in league form meaning that, even with a late rally, they were unable to defend their title as Dundalk reclaimed the glittering prize.

Should both clubs successfully negotiate their first-round ties, Cork City are intent on hosting their Europa League game against Rangers at Turner’s Cross – unless the authorities dictate otherwise.

Cork City manager John Cotter sees the positives and negatives of a Europa League draw that leaves the club in the dark as to whether they will play Luxembourg’s Progres Niederkorn or European debutants Cardiff Metropolitan University FC until they complete their preliminary round second leg on July 4.

Shamrock Rovers 3 Progres Niederkorn 0

Shamrock Rovers manager Pat Fenlon refused to be drawn on the potential signing of 100-times capped Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff as he stressed the importance of keeping the focus on what is Rovers’ biggest match in three years.

FC Progrès Niederkorn 0 Shamrock Rovers 0: Craig Hyland made two remarkable second-half saves at the Stade d’Oberkorn in Differdange, Luxembourg last night.

Already missing the injured Keith Fahey, Shamrock Rovers begin their Europa League campaign in Luxembourg tonight (Stade Municipal Differdange, 6pm Irish time) without another experienced ex-international, Stephen McPhail.