Bohs confident of Euro progression

Stephen Kenny's Bohemians are “confident, but not over-confident” of making progress in Europe when they face Levadia Tallinn of Estonia in the UEFA Cup first qualifying round second leg clash tomorrow night.

They have reached the second round of European competition in each of the last two seasons and are clear favourites to go through again after a goalless draw in the away leg a fortnight ago.

However, manager Stephen Kenny is remaining cautious ahead of the tie.

“Nil-nil away is not that good a result,” he said.

“A score draw is good but not scoreless. It means the tie is very evenly balanced.

“You could be leading 1-0 and playing very well and then concede a goal and go out on away goals. It means we’ll have to keep it tight at the back while also needing to score a goal against a team that know that if they can nick a goal, it’s difficult for us.

“We are confident but not over-confident. This is going to be a very tough game.”

But while everyone at Bohemians was stressing the need for patience, captain Kevin Hunt admitted the side may be victims of their own success in some regards.

“We set the standard in Europe, starting when we beat Aberdeen (in 2000) and now we’ve got to continue it. We are now expected to reach the second round every season but we’re confident of doing it.

“We should have won out there and had the chances, but they had a number of chances too so we’re going to have to be on our guard.”

Kenny is wary of Levadia’s attacking threat – particularly given that one goal may be all the Estonians need.

“They play 4-4-2 and I don’t think either of their strikers will drop off. I can see them having a go at us though maybe not throwing everything at us to begin with.

“They are a big, strong, physical side and we will need to be at our best.”

With their physical strength in mind, Kenny could recall Colin Hawkins to the centre of defence while Bobby Ryan may also start having enjoyed a 90-minute run-out in their 8-0 victory over Ringmahon Rangers in the FAI Cup on Thursday.

Stephen Ward, who smashed in a hat-trick in that match, may have to settle for a place on the bench.