Graham Cummins: Europe brings great trips and bonus cheques - but fans must be realistic

Dundalk and Arsenal observe a silence in memory of Paolo Rossi before the UEFA Europa League Group B match at The Aviva Stadium, Dublin. Graham Cummins says he always wanted to test himself against the best possible opposition in European competition. Picture: Brian Lawless. 

Now that League of Ireland clubs know their first-round opponents in Europe, unrealistic expectations can begin to form.

Fans, even club board members, will think their side can go a long way in Europe and will deem anything other than advancing a few rounds in their competition as failure.