Manager Stephen Robinson says St Mirren’s UEFA Conference League draw is an exciting one for players, staff and supporters.
Saints found out they will face either Icelandic side Valur or Albanian outfit FK Vllaznia in the UEFA Conference League Second Qualifying Round following today’s draw in Switzerland.
It’ll be the Buddies’ first European tie since 1987 and our first ever competitive encounter against team from either Iceland or Albania.
While the manager is looking forward to the tie, he confessed that whoever Saints face will present a difficult challenge for his side.
Speaking after the draw, the gaffer told stmirren.com: “I think it’s a really good draw – but a tough one too.
“We’ve avoided two of the big sides that were unseeded in Häcken and Brann. The ties we face give us an opportunity, one I believe the fans will be really excited about in terms of travel.
We obviously have to wait and see who we get but we’re delighted to be involved at this level of competition.”
Saints could have faced NIFL Premiership side Cliftonville or League of Ireland Premier Division’s Derry City following the initial groupings made this morning.
But the manager admits that drawing a side from either Iceland or Albania gives it more of a continental feel.
“It feels more like a European game of course. We still have to navigate our way past them but it will be an exciting trip for the fans.
It will be a different test for us as players and coaches. I’ve already spoken to a few of them and they’re already really looking forward to it.
“We will have the advantage of seeing both sides in action against each other. We’ll be watching the first tie and will have representatives there, if not myself, to make sure that we get the view of it and we will prepare like we do for every other game. But ultimately we’ll prepare like we do for every other game. The world is a smaller place in terms of the footage available for other teams.
“We’ve had our time off. We’ve enjoyed it. We’re very proud of what we achieved last season and now the challenge is can we take it a step further and progress in Europe.
We know it’s a tough tie. We’ll need to do a lot of research. But we’re all very excited about the challenges the new season will throw up.”
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