Graham Cummins: Expectation of Irish clubs in Europe far exceeds the reality

STEP UP IN CLASS: Graham Burke of Shamrock Rovers in action against Manuel Cafumana of Ludogorets during the UEFA Champions League 2022/23 Second Qualifying Round First Leg match. Photo by Alex Nicodim/Sportsfile

Our expectations for League of Ireland clubs competing in European competitions is unrealistic. 

It shouldn’t even be a topic of conversation that an Irish club is capable of qualifying for the group stages of the Champions League. Clubs seem to be scrutinised for not reaching the group stages of European competition when success for a League of Ireland club should be judged on a team qualifying past a single round.