Ballyshannon lad Danny Keohane is this week looking forward to Sligo Rover’s European adventure, after they were paired with Albanian side Vllaznia in the first qualifying round to be played July 2nd.

For Sligo, who have qualified for Europe for the first time in 13 years, a glamour tie with Rapid Vienna is the prize awaiting if they can get past the Albanians in the Europa League first-qualifying round.

Vllaznia finished second in the Albanian Superliga last season, while Sligo were fourth in the Irish Premier Division.

“I don’t really no a great deal about them to be honest,” admits Keohane. “It’s the first I’ve heard of them, so they’re definitely an unknown prospect.”

While the Albanian runners-up don’t exactly roll off the tongue; Keohane knows that the prize on offer for the victors is a mouth-watering clash with Austrian giants Rapid Vienna- a clash that would really whet the appetite of the Bit O’Red.

“We’ve seen plenty of them in previous seasons and they would have a good European pedigree so that would be a really exciting clash. It would be fantastic if we got through to play them, but as I said we can’t be looking past Vallazina.”

Former Erne Wanderers starlet Keohane has seized his opportunity this season with relish, and has impressed at wing-back in recent outings.

Keohane (20) admits that while a number of injuries to first team players has accelerated his progression in recent weeks; those returning face a fight for the jersey.

“It’s been really exciting since I joined. We have a small squad and they do give youngsters a chance to impress. Suspensions and injuries have also left us short and that has given me my chance at the back.

“But now that I’m in I hope I can stay there. It has come a bit quickly but as I said I’m not complaining and I just hope I can remain in contention.”

Sligo will be at home in the first leg on July 2, with the reverse leg being played seven days later.