Kenny's Bohs boys relish challenge

Bohemians boss Stephen Kenny knows his team face a huge task if they are to make history by becoming the first Irish club ever to reach the Champions League third round.

Kenny’s men take on Norwegians Rosenborg in their second round, first leg tie at sell-out Dalymount Park tomorrow night.

Bohemians were brilliant in coming back from a first leg deficit to overcome BATE Borisov in the first round.

But Kenny said: “This is a step up for us – but it is a challenge we are looking forward to.

“We are huge underdogs and we are under no illusions about that. We want to make history and mentally my players are prepared. The timing of this game is just right for us,” Kenny told www.fai.ie.

The champions have a clean bill of health for the game with defender Colin Hawkins having shrugged off an Achilles injury and Bobby Ryan back after a hamstring problem.

And they are in good heart after their 2-0 Cup win over Dundalk last Sunday.

But Rosenborg have qualified for the Champions League in each of the last eight years and have scored 15 goals in their last eight European away games.

Rosenborg coach Ola By Rise called his side’s away form the secret of their success but insisted they would not be taking Bohemians lightly.

He said: “We dare to attack even when we are playing away and we will do that on Wednesday too.

“I don’t think we can expect to surprise the Irishmen this time. They are well aware of us and have respect for our achievements.

“We can be beaten. When Bohemians got through by beating BATE Borisov they were playing well.”

The winners of the two-legged tie meet Spanish giants Deportivo La Coruna in the third round.