Stephen Kenny wants 'any sort of win' to fire St Pat's European hopes
Buoyed by their impressive 2-0 win against Hegelmann in Lithuania last week, which was followed by an 8-0 FAI Cup hammering of UCC, the Saints are looking to maintain momentum.
Having endured a barren spell in front of goal, things might just be starting to click but Kenny warned they're facing a stiff challenge against Kalju, who are currently fourth in the Estonian top flight.
"We've done a fair degree of homework on them," Kenny told RTÉ Sport.
"They are a fit and energetic team and finished second in their league last year, splitting the two Tallinn teams, Levadia and Flora. They work on 3-4-2-1 model, very energetic, very fit and have a good Brazilian attacking player.
"We'll have to be at our best to put in a good performance. They are full-time professionals so this will be a tough game for us, with the winners getting either Besiktas or Shakhtar Donetsk (in the next round). It's the toughest draw we could have got but it's still a big incentive to get through."
"You're then searching for answers but thankfully we've managed to get back scoring goals."
Kenny has been adamant that his team's performance levels have been good despite patchy league form, pointing to a costly profligacy in front of goal which has cost them points.
Now the ex-Republic of Ireland boss says he's seeing evidence they've turned a corner.
"We've had five clean sheets so the players are defending well and our general play has been terrific over the last couple of weeks," he added.
"Our finishing has let us down at times so it was good to get those three goals (over the two legs) in Europe and we got eight at the weekend against the non-league team (UCC). Last season we finished top scorers in the league but this season we hit a barren period where we just couldn't finish despite dominating games.
"You're then searching for answers but thankfully we've managed to get back scoring goals and we've been good at the other end in not conceding."
Kenny also had a good luck message for Evan Ferguson, who has sealed an eye-catching loan move to Roma.
"We picked Evan (for Ireland) before he made his debut for Brighton and then he scored on his first start against Latvia, a friendly, and then he played his first competitive game against France in the Aviva which was an epic game," he said.
"Going to Roma is a great opportunity so why wouldn't he take an opportunity like that, to go to Italy? I sincerely wish him well."
Meanwhile Saints midfielder Jamie Lennon is fit and raring to go against Nomme JK Kalju.
Lennon has fully shaken off an ankle knock he's been nursing over the last week as he targets another forward step in Europe.
"We know the next task is going to be much more difficult, but the performance level (against Hegelmann) was really good," the 27-year-old said.
"We struggled for goals ever since the break to be fair, since we've come back we've struggled for goals. We haven't struggled for chances though, which I suppose is a positive thing. We're getting in the right areas, we just haven't been clinical enough.
"I think the goal here against Hegelmann (in the 1-0 first-leg victory) was a big moment for us, I think it gave the attacking players confidence going over there that they could get a couple more and they did.
"Now that we're actually taking some of our chances I think the confidence will just continue to build."
While Ferguson looks to reignite his club career in Italy, another young Irish striker will be aiming to further embellish his reputation this week. Mason Melia will join Tottenham in January, but could give St Pat's the perfect parting gift if he continues to shine in Europe as they aim to reach the Conference League league stage.
"He's obviously a hugely talented player, a great person as well," Lennon said of the 17-year-old.
"He'll have a really good career but he's a big part of what we're trying to do this season and especially in Europe. He has the potential to be an elite player, we're happy to have him for the moment.
"His strength and agility, the way he can move as quick with the ball as without the ball is really good. It's hard to believe that he's still only a kid."
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