MOTHER OF ALL TIES FOR GLENS

GLENTORAN have been gifted a massive incentive to progress in the Europa League – a potential showdown with Motherwell in the next round.

The Ovalmen are set to host HB Torshavn of the Faroe Islands in the preliminary round of the competition on August 20. And if they progress, a highprofile first qualifying round date with Motherwell lies in wait after yesterday’s draw in Nyon teed up the prospect of an all-british clash on August 27.

Former Northern Ireland defender Stephen Craigan, (left) a boyhood Glens fan who played for Motherwell, hopes to see both clubs go toe-to-toe.

“It would be a good marker to see where Glentoran are at and let the Irish League see where their teams are as a whole,” he said.

The Glens have met Scottish opposition in Europe three times in the past, while it would be their fifth meeting with a British team if they advance.

The last time the Mersey Street men were involved in an all-uk tie was in the 1989/90 UEFA Cup, when they lost 5-1 on aggregate to Dundee United.

Michael O’neill, who would go on to manage Northern Ireland, Maurice Malpas and future

Blackburn Rovers striker Kevin Gallagher all featured for United.

The Glens have also faced Arsenal (1969 Fairs Cup), Rangers (1966 European Cup Winners Cup) and Partick

Thistle (1963 Fairs Cup).

The winners of Coleraine’s preliminary round tie with La Fiorita of San Marino will play Maribor of Slovenia, with Derry travelling to face Lithuanian side FK Riteriai.