St. Patrick's Athletic are expecting a sell-out crowd at Richmond Park when they entertain Krylya Sovetov of Russia in the Europa League on Thursday night (7.45pm).

Under UEFA regulations, capacity at the stadium will be restricted to 3,000 for the match and the Saints are urging supporters to snap-up tickets before Thursday to avoid disappointment.

Saints defender Jamie Harris says that the players are looking forward to testing themselves against an excellent Russian side which includes former Czech Republic international Jan Koller.

Harris will most likely have the task of marking the 6ft 7in striker as St. Pat's look to record a positive result before travelling to Russia next week.

The Saints knocked Elfsborg out of the UEFA Cup last season, before narrowly losing out to German giants Hertha Berlin. Harris knows that Sovetov will present a real challenge, especially as they are currently mid-season.

"It is probably as tough a tie as we've had when you look at the players we've lost and the injuries the squad have had this year," said Harris.

"We're still missing the likes of Mark Quigley, Gary Dempsey and Mark Leech. I expect Sovetov to be in between Elfsborg and Berlin. They're in season as well.

"That sharpness which maybe wasn't there with Berlin last year, they're going to have that so it's going to be tough. We're under no illusions."

Tickets for Thursday's match are available from the St. Patrick's Athletic offices at 125 Emmet Road, Inchicore. They are priced €15 for adults, €10 student / OPA and €5 for children.