| Countdown to Champions League draw |
| Friday 18 June 2010 |
 WELSH Premier champions The New Saints will discover their Champions League opponents when the draw takes place in Switzerland on Monday. Just 30 days after Inter Milan were crowned kings of Europe, 36 pretenders to their throne will learn what awaits them on the road to the final at Wembley next May. Some of the Saints' potential opponents boast genuine pedigree, with Debreceni VSC from Hungary one of three clubs to advance from the second qualifying round to the group stage last season. Norwegians Rosenborg BK participated in the group phase 11 times between 1995 to 2006, while BATE Borisov from Belarus were impressive on their Champions League debut two years ago, beating AEK Athens FC and Everton in last term's Europa League. Moldovan titleholders for the last decade, FC Sheriff came close to the coveted group stage 12 months ago before being edged out by Olympiacos FC in the play-offs. Yet they gained valuable experience in the Europa League as they beat FC Twente and twice held 1986 European champions FC Steaua Bucurest. Austrians FC Salzburg also impressed in the competition, winning six out of six before elimination in the last-32. The two-legged ties will be staged on 13/14 and 20/21 July, with the Saints' home leg being staged at their Park Hall, Oswestry home for the second season running. Photo: TNS lost out to FRAM Reykjavik last season despite taking the lead in both the home and away legs with Steve Evans goals. |