Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny says FH Hafnardjodour are "an unknown quantity" having been drawn against the Icelandic outfit for the qualifying stages of the Champions League.
Speaking to dundalkfc.com today, Kenny said that the current Premier Division champions are relishing the challenge of playing against the current leaders of the Icelandic top flight. He also pointed the experience his side have developed by competing at this level as a massive advantage ahead of the tie.
"FH are a bit of an unknown quantity to us at the moment," he said, "We haven’t had a chance to have a look at them yet but we know that they have won seven of the last twelve Icelandic championships so they are dominant at home. They are leading their league once again early on.
"They have qualified for European competition regularly over the past few seasons. The fact that they are seeded above us shows that they have been consistent and have had some good victories in Europe.
"We will be a lot more informed by the time that we play them of course but it will be a tough tie."
Dundalk sit top of the Premier Division, one point clear of closest rivals Cork City and look ahead to a third successive season in European competition.
"The six European matches that we have played over the past two seasons have given us some great experience. When you think of when we started two years ago we had hardly anyone in the squad with European experience.
"The experience that the players have got has been great and will really benefit them. We have played against some good opposition in Europe and have done brilliantly. They will take confidence from the last couple of seasons into the games."
Dundalk faced Belarusian side BATE Borisov last year during the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round. Image: ©INPHO/James Crombie
But with domestic competition set to resume this Friday, Kenny insists his side will be ready for the tie.
"We will be as best prepared as we can be for the tie. Our motivation is high to get through to the next round of the competition. We want to get through to the third qualifying round and make progress.
"Progressing through guarantees you a minimum of six matches in Europe this summer with the chance of going further so we want to do that and looking forward to the challenge."
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
