After their European escapades of epic proportions last year, Shamrock Rovers will face FK Ekranas of Lithuania in the second qualifying round to start off their UEFA Champions League campaign.

The first leg of the tie will take place in Tallaght Stadium on the 17th or 18th of July, while Shamrock Rovers fans have immediately began the feverish scramble for flights for the away leg a week later in the town of Panev?žys, Lithuania.

FK Ekranas have faced League of Ireland opposition in recent years, with Cork City beating the current Lithuanian champions 2-1 in 2005.

This will be seen as certainly a favourable draw for the Hoops, even though Ekranas have dominated Lithuanian football in recent years, winning the last four Lyga A championships.

We currently await news of Bohemians, St. Patrick's Athletic and Sligo Rovers in the UEFA Europa League draw.