Paul Corry says Shamrock Rovers can challenge for a top-two finish in their Europa Conference League group if they maintain their impressive home form.
Rovers have won four successive European games at Tallaght Stadium this season, having beaten Ferencvaros on Thursday thanks to Andy Lyons' late winner.
The Premier Division champions will face Gent, Molde and Djurgardens in Group F of the Conference League and Corry says a full-strength Hoops side can compete for a place in the knockout stages.
The former Shamrock Rovers midfielder told 2FM's Game On: "What Shamrock Rovers have shown over the last number of weeks, and even in previous campaigns, is they’re very competitive, particularly at home.
"Getting points away from home in any of those three games is going to be quite difficult. Molde are top of their league and Djurgardens are third.
"They're difficult opposition but you’re hoping they can continue the form they showed on Thursday night and against Ludogorets when they played in Tallaght, and use that experience to navigate their way through the group.
"There’s every chance they could pick up points, particularly in Tallaght, and hopefully nice a point or two on the road.
"But pivotal to that - you saw what a difference Jack Byrne made when he came on. If they can get the likes of Graham Burke back fit, Ronan Finn was back in the side last night, you really do need your best players available for those ties.
"If they do have them available, they’re more than good enough to get results. But it’s definitely going to be a stiff test."
While Rovers have turned Tallaght into a fortress, journalist Fergal Brennan believes they must pick up points on the road if they are to become the first Irish team to qualify from their group.
He told Game On: "If you look over the last couple of years, there is not a massive amount for Rovers to fear, particularly with Molde. Gent are probably going to win the group, they've been Europa League regulars and have had a little bit of success in the last few seasons.
"If you look at what it normally takes to get out of a group, you’re looking at eight or nine points. An away win is probably going to have to be mixed in there - pinching points on the road is normally what decides these things.
"If they can get two or three home wins, which is difficult, and you add in one away win - Djurgardens aren’t any great shakes given the way they’ve performed over the last 12 months. That would probably be enough for second place.
"To get out of this group and into the knockouts would be a huge achievement but you get the sense there will probably have to be one positive result away from Tallaght to get through."
