Michael O’Neill has urged his young Shamrock Rovers stars to make a name for themselves in the Europa League.

The Hoops face Israeli side Beni Yehuda tonight at Tallaght Stadium (8.00pm) in the first leg of their Europa League Second Qualifying Round fixture. O’Neill knows that his side need to record a positive result tonight ahead of next week’s second leg fixture in Tel Aviv.

“The draw was probably as difficult as we could have got, but we’ll be approaching the game very positively, and will be looking to get a good result at home,” he said. “I was over at the second leg of the first round, and even though it was 1-0, the Armenia team always had a chance because of the away goals rule; it shows that anything can happen in these games.

“We know that while we can’t win the overall tie tomorrow, was can lose it, so our main aim is for the tie to still be alive when we go to Tel Aviv next week. It is great to be bringing European football to Tallaght, and we are really looking forward to the game.”

Rovers will be without Dessie Baker and Pat Sullivan through injury but are otherwise at full strength. The Hoops are on a good run of form of late and go into the fixture on the back of a 12 match unbeaten run, including a 4-0 demolition of Dundalk at Tallaght last Sunday.  

“We come into this game on the back of a good run in the league,” said O’Neill. “The game will be tough, no doubt; but we will be looking to make the most of the home advantage. I’m sure the fans will be fully behind us, and hopefully we can get a good result.”