Confidence on Leeside is such that declarations of intent are understandable

so we’ll be ready for them (Stjarnan).’

Getting caught cold by unknown opponents is no longer an excuse for clubs here. Ahead of Cork’s trip to Estonia to face Levadia Tallinn — currently midway through their season and unbeaten like the Leesiders — they sent opposition analyst Lisa Fallon, who has also carried out a similar role for Northern Ireland under Michael O’Neill, to provide a detailed report.

On the flip side, there’s no chance of Cork being able to use star striker Seán Maguire as a secret weapon in attack. The 23year-old leaves for Preston North End at the end of July and, having netted three times in Europa League qualifying last season (against Linfield and BK Hacken) he has the club’s European goal record of four, set by defender Dan Murray, in his sights.

‘I’m aiming to beat that in the next couple of rounds,’ Maguire insisted.

‘Doing well in the league is great and you’ll get plaudits but people want to see you do well in Europe. I think that’s where I began to kick on last year. Europe is the stage where I think you will see the best of me.

‘There is a belief in the squad. I feel now the European stage will be our stage, last year we came alive in Europe I think and we can definitely go on further,’ he continued.

‘I want to leave in a position where the team can’t be caught in the league and are in a strong position in the third round of Europe.’

Confidence on Leeside is such that declarations of intent like that are understandable.