Dundalk are not giving up hope of progressing to the group stages of the Champions League despite trailing 2-0 to Legia Warsaw after the first leg.
The Lilywhites lost in front of more than 30,000 spectators at the Aviva Stadium last Wednesday, making the Polish champions favourites to qualify.
“The tie is still well alive,” insisted Dundalk midfielder John Mountney, whose side secured a league and cup double.
“I think we can go over there and try to be positive,” he added.
Nemanja Nikolic opened the scoring from the penalty spot last week, before Aleksandar Prijovic doubled the advantage in the late stages of the contest.
However, Dundalk hit back from a goal down to win 2-1 away to Hajduk Split in the Europa League two years ago.
And Stephen Kenny’s side hopes history repeats itself as they bid to earn an unlikely spot alongside the big guns in Thursday’s draw for the group stage.
“We went 3-0 down to Hajduk Split [on aggregate] and went to the wire – they were holding on at the end,” explained Mountney.
Defender Andy Boyle acknowledged: “The second [Legia Warsaw] goal makes it difficult for us. But we’ve been here before.
“We made a right fist of it against Hajduk Split, scoring two away from home.
“The first goal is massive. Hopefully we will get a better outcome out there in Warsaw.”
Name: Daniel Watson