Crusaders likely to face Fulham in Europa League

Stephen Baxters's side are set to face Crusaders

Crusaders are set to face Premier League side Fulham in the second qualifying round of the Europa League.

The London side must first overcome NSI Runavik of the Faroe Islands in the first qualifying round, with the Crues set to host the winners on 14 July, and the second leg on 21 July.

Linfield have been drawn to face top seeds BATE, the Belarus Premier League champions, in the second qualifying round of the Champions League.

The first leg will be at Windsor Park.

The Blues will host BATE on 13 July, with the second leg to be played at the Borisov City Stadium on 19 July.

Cliftonville will play TNS and Renova face Glentoran in the Europa League first qualifying round.

The games are to be played on 30 June and 7 July.

Welsh side TNS will enjoy home advantage for the first leg of their tie against Cliftonville while Glentoran will be away to Macedonian outfit Renova in their first leg.

The Fulham squad which is set to come to Seaview should include Northern Ireland internationals Aaron Hughes and Chris Baird.

Martin Jol was recently appointed as the new Fulham manager following the resignation of Mark Hughes.

"This is a big boost for our financial situation and also for the fans," said Crues chairman Stephen Bell.

"We have been building new stands at Seaview and my first thought is that I would like to keep the game there as a reward for everyone who has helped make the ground what it is at the moment."

Irish Premier Division champions Shamrock Rovers play Flora of Estonia in the Champions League second qualifying round.