Bannsiders must make the most of

“It will be a tough game, make no mistake about that,” said Lowry.

“I was in the Linfield side that beat them over the two legs a few years back.

“I remember they were a big, physically strong side and they were also tactically good and well organised.

“But it’s a favourable draw for us — we wanted to be at home and we got that. But there are no easy games in Europe, but we must take advantage of being at home.

“It’s just a pity our fans will not be there to make it even more intimidating for them — they are like a 12th man to us, but overall it’s a great opportunity for us and one we will relish when it comes around.

“I think we should be ahead of them in terms of fitness. “We’ve had a few competitive matches of late, but they haven’t played since March.

“Hopefully, that will work in our favour.”

Lowry admits the Bannsiders cannot dwell on the disappointment of the Irish Cup semi-final loss.

“We are still wondering how we lost that tie,” he adds. “I thought we had the game won.

“We were doing all the right things, slowing the game down and playing it at our pace.

“Ballymena put one quality ball into the box deep into injury time and we were punished.

“Then, when a game goes to penalties, it becomes a lottery. Although we practiced in the lead up to the game, our penalties, including my own, were woeful. That’s cup football.

“The boys are now busting a gut to make up for that disappointment in this European tie.”

Glentoran will likewise hardly be quaking in their boots having been pulled out for a preliminary round tie against HB Torshavn from the Faroe Islands.

Mick Mcdermott (left) and his Irish Cup holders will also have home advantage for their game next week.

Torshavn are another team that have been overcome by Lin