FOR WH O M T H E BEL TOLLS

Derry hope they aren’t dead men walking after getting nightmare draw

terms of progress. That said, I expect us to be right up for the challenge and hopefully once confirmed we can look forward to a big European night at our new stadium.”

Shiels continued: “They’re a quality side with plenty of history and I see that they’re currently second in their domestic league so it’s a big ask.”

Last season, Dinamo Minsk reached the Europa League third qualifying round but lost 3-1 on aggregate to AEK Larnaca of Cyprus, who beat Cork City 2-0 in the previous round.

The season before that, Dinamo got the better of St Patrick’s Athletic 2-1 on aggregate in the second qualifying round. They have solid European pedigree and reached the Europa League group stages in 2014/15 and 2015/16, but finished bottom both times with four and three points respectively. Dinamo only lost last season’s league title on goal difference to Belarussian powerhouses BATE Borisov – and they sit second again after 12 games of this season. Shiels hopes to reinforce his squad with new signings ahead of their Europa League duels, which will secure a minimum of €240,000 in prize money. Ronan Curtis has already left for Portsmouth and star turn Aaron Mceneff (inset) is poised to join Championship newcomers Rotherham United when the transfer window opens next month.

Dean Shiels – the manager’s son, who played for Dundalk in Europe before leaving for Canada – is due to sign to bolster Derry’s attacking options.

But Shiels says he has other targets up his sleeve – and they are badly needed after a spate of fringe players left the club at various stages this season.

The Derry boss said: “I expect to get three signings over the line in the coming days.

“We’re also looking at a couple of friendlies in the run-up to the European game as well which will give us some game time to prepare.”