Dundalk face the unknown in UEFA tie

LAST season’s FAI Cup winners Dundalk take a step into the unknown tonight when they travel to face Croatian side FC Varteks in the UEFA Cup qualifying round first leg — which kicks-off at 7pm Irish time Irish time.

Manager Martin Murray will give late fitness tests to defenders Robbie Brunton (thigh) and Noel Melvin (knee) before naming his side. But definitely ruled out is central defender Donal Broughan, who starts a four match suspension.

Former Huddersfield Town man Gary Haylock a veteran of 28 previous matches in Europe with Linfield, Portadown, Panionios and Shelbourne looks likely to lead the attack even though he suffered a slight reaction to a knock received in last week's 2-0 defeat by Sligo Rovers.