Soccer

Dundalk up against it against Rosenborg in Norway

Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny knows the Norwegians present a tough challenge
Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny knows the Norwegians present a tough challenge Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny knows the Norwegians present a tough challenge

“IN order for us to progress we are going to have to put in one of the greatest performances in Irish football history,” Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny told his club’s website earlier in the week – and that’s a fair assertion as the Louth outfit try to earn a spot in the third qualifying round of the Champions League tonight at the expense of Rosenborg BK.

On the surface, the 1-1 scoreline the Lilywhites bring to the Lerkendal Stadion (7.45pm) in Norway is impressive, but Kenny’s side really should be protecting a lead after dominating large spells of last weekend’s game at Oriel Park.

Their early pressure paid off when David McMillan headed home after 18 minutes, but their good work was undone when Tore Reginiussen prodded home a sloppy equaliser a minute before half-time.

It’s not a lost cause though and Dundalk have earned some notable European away results though since Kenny took charge back in November 2012.

They have managed to defeat Jeunesse Esch and Hajduk Split on the road and earned impressive draws against FH, Legia Warsaw and AZ Alkmaar.

They could be without defender Niclas Vemmelund here due to the hamstring problem he picked up last week, but Kenny will be hoping that he can still feature.

Roseneberg manager Kare Ingebrigsten will be expecting much more from his side this week, particularly former Arsenal striker Nikklas Bendtner who was largely ineffective in the drawn encounter.

Ingebrigsten was annoyed that his side were out-played in the opening 20 minutes of last week’s fixture and has called on his team to start quicker.

Pal Andre Helland will miss out for the home side after picking up an injury in the first leg.

The winners of this tie look certain to meet Celtic with the Scottish champions holding a comfortable 2-0 lead over Linfield ahead of tonight’s second leg at Celtic Park.