TNS have 'great opportunity to move forward' in Europe

The New Saints are currently second in the Cymru Premier, with two games in hand over leaders Penybont

Manager Craig Harrison says victory over Shamrock Rovers on Thursday would put The New Saints in a strong position to advance in the Uefa Conference League.

Last month's 2-0 win over Astana saw Saints rise to 19th in the league table after their opening loss to Fiorentina.

The top eight of 36 teams advance to the round of 16, while sides finishing from ninth to 24 go into the play-offs.

"If Shamrock Rovers win they are near enough through and if we win, we’re a point or two away," said Harrison.

"I think eight [points] will probably get you into that 24, seven might with a good goal difference."

The reigning Cymru Premier champions head to the Tallaght Stadium in Dublin after making Welsh football history.

Their victory over Kazakhstan outfit Astana saw them become the first domestic Welsh club to win in the league or group stage of a major European competition.

Now they will look to back that up against a side who are currently second in the Irish Premier Division.

"It’s a very good club that have been doing really well, they are European veterans compared to ourselves," said Harrison.

"We know it’s going to be a tough game but we’ve been out twice to watch them live and we’ve obviously done as much homework as we can.

"It’s one where both teams feel like they can get something from the game and obviously a victory for ourselves would put us on the right path and give us a great opportunity to move forward in the competition."

Saints face Sweden's Djurgarden, Greek giants Panathinaikos and Celje of Slovenia in their other group fixtures.