Shamrock Rovers have been warned to brace for a very hostile environment when they travel to Kosovo for their European clash this week.
The League of Ireland table toppers face Ballkani on Thursday in the third qualifying round of their Europa Conference League clash.
One man who has first-hand experience of taking on Ballkani is Derry boss Tiernan Lynch.
He took his then-Larne side to Kosovo in both 2023 and 2024. Following a 7-1 aggregate defeat, they got their revenge the following year when they knocked out Ballkani on penalties.
Lynch and Stephen Bradley went up against each other on Sunday, where Shamrock Rovers extended their grip on the title with a 2-0 victory, thanks to a brace from Rory Gaffney.
After the game, Lynch had the opportunity to give his managerial counterpart the lowdown on what to expect.
‘We had 24-hour armed guards’
He told reporters after the game: “We played Ballkani two years in a row in European games, and it’s a very hostile atmosphere.
“The first year we took a bit of a pasting and couldn’t really deal with the hostility, we had 24-hour armed guards and all that goes with that.
“But Rovers are probably much more experienced than we were at that stage, and I think it’s something they will deal with ok.”
Following their 1-0 victory in Kosovo, the game was marred after trouble erupted between players and backroom staff on the pitch while Larne were celebrating their victory.
Bradley responded: “He was able to give me some pointers on everything that went on. That was helpful. But we’ll be ready for them.
“It’s an intimidating place, hostile. Ballkani are technically good – on the sides, pace, up top, real power, 6ft 3in, power and pace. I’m watching them, and they remind me of Celje.”
Who are Shamrock Rovers opponents Ballkini?
Irish bookmakers believe there’s going to be very little between the two sides when they meet at the 1,500-capacity Suva Reka Stadium.
Ballkini are the three-time Kosovo champions, having won consecutive titles in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Three years ago, they created history by becoming the first Kosovan club to qualify for the group stage of a European competition when they reached the Europa Conference League. They then repeated that feat two years later.
Ballkani knocked out Floriana to reach this stage of the competition, while Shamrock Rovers convincingly beat St Joseph’s.