'Little old Ireland’ is alive and well but Sean Hoare says Dundalk are hell bent on changing that mindset.
The Lilywhites touched down in Azerbaijan last night after a near nine-hour flight to Baku that included a refuelling stop in Romania.
Tomorrow they lock horns with serial group stage qualifiers Qarabag in the second-leg of their delicately poised Champions League qualifier.
The Azeris looked capable of running away with the first-leg at Oriel Park but were stunned by Dundalk’s ferocious second-half fightback in the 1-1 draw.
Dundalk have proved they don’t lose sleep heading into these away day missions - but Qarabag are a step above some of the sides they have faced.
But centre-back Hoare insists the Lilywhites are not just along for the ride and hold ambitions of becoming the first Irish side to crack the Champions League proper.
“We have the safety net of the Europa League but we want to stay in the Champions League for as long as we can,” Hoare told Mirror Sport.
“You have to let yourself dream and the management team here always instill that in you - if you don't dream you won't achieve anything.
“A couple of years ago, the lads did it. They believed in it. We have that experience and it’s nothing to these lads.
“Some of these teams think we're just a ‘little old Irish team’ delighted to be taking part, but it's not like that at all. We want to show them.”
Hoare continued: “The lads showed what can be done in 2016. They got the whole country’s attention no matter if you’re a GAA head, rugby lad or whatever.
“Everyone was following Dundalk’s crazy journey in Europe and it shows we can get results against bigger teams and that the gulf in class is not that big.
“Sometimes when you look at the grounds around our league, you think that’s your standard.
“But your ability doesn’t have to match the quality of the facility. You think because some of these teams play in massive stadiums that they must be unreal.
“But the difference in technical ability between ourselves and these sides is not that much when you go into the games.
“So we have to believe. We don't want to just take part and for it to be ‘little old Ireland’ - you want to feel you belong on that stage.”
But notwithstanding that, Hoare admits Dundalk have it all to do against a quality outfit.
Temperatures in Baku are well into the 30s and will still be in the late to mid 20s by kick-off.
Hoare said: “Every one of their players can play Barcelona-style football, so you have to adapt and try and keep the door shut.
“We have pace going forward with wingers and lads breaking in midfield, so we can break with power.
“And teams like Qarabag don't really know what to do with that as they’re used to having the ball.”
Dundalk warmed up by winning 1-0 at St Pat’s on Saturday to strengthen their grip on the league title.
And Hoare added: “You work hard to win the league to be in the Champions League every year.
“But we want to progress in Europe and not just enjoy the couple of months in the summer and a few trips here and there.
“We want to give ourselves that headache of playing beyond the actual League of Ireland season.”
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