Glentoran have been handed a massive incentive to progress in the Europa League after being handed a potential showdown with Motherwell in the next round.
The Big Two giants will host HB Torshavn of the Faroe Islands in the preliminary round of the competition at The Oval on August 20.
And if they progress to the next stage they’ll travel to face Motherwell at Fir Park club on August 27 after yesterday’s first qualifying round draw was made in Nyon.
Stephen Robinson’s men finished third in the SPFL last season and are preparing for their first European campaign in six years.
The Glens have met Scottish opposition in Europe three times in the past, while it would be their fifth meeting with a British team if they advance.
The last time the Mersey Street men were involved in an all-UK tie in a UEFA competition was in the 1989/90 UEFA Cup when they lost 5-1 on aggregate to Dundee United.
Michael O’Neill, who would go on to manage Northern Ireland, Maurice Malplas and future Blackburn Rovers striker Kevin Gallagher all featured for United.
The Glens have also faced Arsenal (1969 Fairs Cup), Rangers (1966 European Cup Winners Cup) and Partick Thistle (1963 Fairs Cup) in Europe.
Elsewhere in today’s Europa League draw, the winners of Coleraine’s preliminary round tie with La Fiorita (San Marino) will travel to Maribor of Slovenia in the next round.
The first qualifying round ties will be played to a finish as a one-leg fixture on August 27.
