Ross nightmare but a Dutch dream for fans

Jack Ross has admitted that a potential meeting with Dutch outfit aZ alkmaar would be a daunting proposition for his team — but a dream scenario for Dundee United supporters.

The Tannadice side will face either Tuzla city of Bosnia and Herzegovina or Eredivisie powerhouses aZ alkmaar in the third round of qualifiers for the Europa conference League.

The two sides face off in the first leg of their second-round qualifier this Thursday in the Netherlands and alkmaar will be huge favourites to progress.

United haven’t played in Europe since the 2012/13 season when they were knocked out of the Europa League by Dynamo Moscow. alkmaar, by comparison, reached the last 16 of last season’s conference League.

Ross said: ‘I think we knew the likelihood was that we would face a tough opposition, due to being unseeded.

‘When you look at the calibre of teams who are seeded and aiming to make it through to the group stage, the standard is very high. and aZ are certainly a team with a strong European pedigree.

‘It’s also important to touch on what this draw does for the supporters. If aZ progress from their tie, then this is probably the best-case scenario for the fans.

‘so there is potential for a really tough tie but, equally, a really good tie for the club and its supporters. It has been a number of years since they were in Europe and that opportunity to follow your club in Europe, it’s exciting.’

Motherwell will take on czech outfit sparta Prague or Norway’s Viking, if they can first of all beat sligo Rovers.

Graham alexander’s men take on the Irish side at Fir Park on Thursday night, with the return leg set to be played next week.

The third qualifying round will be played over august 4 and 11. Motherwell would be away first if they progress and United are at home for the first leg. Both scottish sides were unseeded for the draw in Nyon, switzerland.