Shamrock Rovers will 'respect' St Joseph's in Conference League qualifier says Stephen Bradley

Meanwhile, St Patrick’s Athletic have the incentive of facing either Besiktas of Turkey or Ukrainians Shaker Donetsk in the third round should they overcome Nõmme Kalju, starting at home on Thursday (7.45pm).

RESPECT: Shamrock Rovers are favourites to navigate the second-round tie against St Joseph’s, the first leg of which takes place in Gibraltar on Thursday. Pic: ©INPHO/James Lawlor.

After reaching European group stages in two of the last three years, Shamrock Rovers will have to do it the harder way to maintain their record.

Relinquishing their title to Shelbourne last season tumbled the Hoops into the Conference League, as opposed to the Champions League they’ve begun in the four previous years.