Bohemians will be hoping to emulate last season's European heroics when they clash with Estonian side Levadia Maardu in tomorrow's Champions League first qualifier at Dalymount Park. The Republic of Ireland's double winners will be hoping for an encore after their UEFA Cup victories away to both Aberdeen and Kaiserslautern last year.
"It's a big act to follow and the expectations are high," said new boss Pete Mahon. "We know very little about our Estonian opposition apart from the fact that they have already played 12 league games this season and currently lie in fourth place in their league. But I have managed to get a hold of some videos of their recent games and that will be useful in our preparations."
Bohemians have skipper Kevin Hunt back in action after recovering from a hamstring injury while both central defender Shaun Maher and striker Alex Nesovic have recovered from respective ankle and hamstring injuries.
"My only worry is lack of competitive match practice even though my side have prepared in exactly the right way for this tie," said Mahon. "We want to try and do the same as last season as the financial benefits from success in the Champions League are potentially massive."
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
