SHAMROCK ROVERS will play Sparta Prague if they progress in the Champions League qualifiers.
Yesterday, they were drawn against Vikingur of Iceland in a first qualifying round tie.
And, today, the two teams learned that the winner would play the famous Czech side in the second qualifying round.
The 1992 European Cup semi-finalists – who have won their domestic title 38 times, including this season – were one of four possible opponents.
The others were FK Bodo/Glimt of Norway, Denmark’s FC Midtjylland and Malmo FF of Sweden.
Based on their European results last year, Sparta were arguably the toughest draw, having reached the last 16 of the Europa League.
After being knocked out of the Champions League at the third qualifying round on penalties by FC Copenhagen, they dropped down to the secondary competition.
There, they overcame Dinamo Zagreb to compete in the group stages, finishing second in a group containing Rangers, Real Betis and Aris Limassol.
They knocked Galatasaray before losing 11-2 to Liverpool at the last 16 stage.
If Rovers lose to Vikingur, they will drop down to the second qualifying round of the Conference League in which they would be seeded.
If they win but lose to Sparta, they would enter the third qualifying round of the Europa League.