Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley is targeting another long run in the UEFA Conference League as his side look set to book a place in the third qualifying round on Thursday night.
The Hoops take on St Joseph's in the second leg of round two in what is expected to be a formality given their 4-0 advantage from the meeting in Gibraltar.
Ballkani of Kosovo are likely to await in the third round as they hold a two-goal lead over Malta's Floriana, with a play-off for the league phase then on offer for the winning side.
Bradley is hoping to follow up on last year’s run to the Conference League knockout rounds, which ended in a heart-breaking loss to Molde.
He said: "We can't take for granted what this team has done throughout the years, but it should be the aim for every League of Ireland team [to qualify for the league phase every year].
"We want to keep pushing the boundaries. You want to keep getting better, and in order to do that, you've got to try to go deep in Europe. It is definitely our aim this year. Can we go and achieve that again?
"It isn’t just from our point of view, I think a lot of smaller nations around Europe are really thriving in this competition.
"You also see Chelsea win it last year and they're in Champions League now so the effect it has on all teams around Europe is massive. For us, it opens pathways and doors that are realistic. We've got to keep striving to be better and going deep in this competition is definitely one of our aims."
The League of Ireland leaders may rest some players for the game against St Joseph's but there is a chance their Premier Division match with Derry City on Sunday will not take place.
If Ballkani progress, as well as FC Prishtina, the Hoops will be back in action next Tuesday in Kosovo rather than Thursday, meaning the Premier Division clash must be deferred.
Bradley said: "We have just got to go and win the game on Thursday, that has to be our approach. That's how we are built, that's how we’re made. That's what we try and do so nothing changes.
"We've got to forget about last Thursday and just focus on winning the game and that will be the aim in the second leg.
"It's important for the tie but also for our coefficient. We can’t underestimate that going forward. The more games you win, the better it gets, it really important for the league as a whole. That’s our aim in this game.
"You have to try and get the balance right of freshness, but you also want to keep people sharp as well, so it will play a part in the team selection.
"We can't control other results and what's going to happen regarding Sunday. Either way, we'll be ready to play."
With no injuries and John McGovern and Connor Malley arriving this window, it could be said the squad Bradley has at his disposal is as strong as its ever been.
They are set to compete for a double at home as well as their crunch European matches.
"We've had to work extremely hard throughout the years to get to this point," Bradley stated.
"I like where the squad is. It's in a really good place, there is a real competition for places and everybody is ready to play which is nice."
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