Hoops dream of Juve but Israelis lie in wait

THE Old Lady of Turin has batted her eyelids in Shamrock Rovers direction and tonight they have their chance to respond in the Europa League Second Qualifying Round Second Leg (kick-off 6.30pm Irish time).

Bnei Yehuda and the stifling heat in Israeli stand in their way at the Bloomfield Stadium which is situated in the ancient port of Jaffa, now a suburb of Tel Aviv. In this historic location, Ireland’s most successful club have a chance to return to former glories.

Hoops boss Michael O’Neill last night spoke to his players about the prospect of such a big game, emphasising it could be the biggest of their careers if they can progress from the second-round qualifiers.