Romanian giants Steaua Bucharest stand between St Patrick's Athletic and a historic place in the group stages of the UEFA Europa League.

Jeff Kenna's side are attempting to progress further than any other Irish side has in European competition and one round better than they managed last season.

Kenna has a fully fit squad for this first leg play-off tie and there are selection dilemmas given the return to full fitness of several key players.

One of the most notable returnees is Mark Quigley, who has missed most of this season with a badly broken jaw.

The Dubliner is vying with man-of-the-moment Declan O'Brien for a place at the top of Kenna's expected 4-5-1 formation.

St Pat's' path to this stage has seen them beat FC Valletta and come from behind to knock out Russian side Krylya Sovetov, but Steaua will be their toughest challenge to date.

An advantage for Pat's is that the game will be played in an empty stadium, as UEFA punished Steaua for offensive banners displayed by their fans in a previous round.

However, between 50 and 100 St Pat's fans are expected to travel and gain entrance using special UEFA VIP tickets reserved for club officials, including the three fans who were the sole Pat's representatives in Russia.

The 23-time Romanian champions and 1986 European Cup winners have had an indifferent start to the domestic season, but they have been impressive in this competition.

FC Újpest of Budapest were dispatched in the second qualifying round before Motherwell were thumped 6-1 over two legs earlier this month.

Italian Cristiano Bergodi was appointed coach at the beginning of the season to replace Marius Lacatus.

The former Romanian striker paid the price for guiding to club to their lowest league position (sixth) in 27 years last term.

Next Fixture

Derry City / April 22nd @ 7:45pm
Competition: League
Venue: Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium
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Team	Pld	Pts
Shelbourne	11	21
Bohemian FC	11	19
Shamrock Rovers	10	18
Derry City	11	16
St Patrick's Athletic	11	15
Galway United FC	10	14
Sligo Rovers	10	13
Waterford FC	11	13
Drogheda United	10	8
Dundalk	11	5