RTÉ to show Shelbourne's All-Island shootout against Linfield next Thursday live
The All-Island derby is a rematch of the Champions League first round in which Shels emerged 2-1 victors over two legs.
That win through the champions route afforded them three shots at extending their involvement being the qualifying rounds but defeats over two legs against both Qarabag in the Champions and Rijeka in the Europa leave them one last life.
Uefa's draw last Monday week threw up this possibility, once Linfield followed up their Conference League second round win over Lithuanian champions Zalgiris by beating Vikingur Gøta on Thursday. They reversed a first-leg deficit to win 2-0 at Windsor Park to secure a playoff spot.
The game will be available to watch live on RTÉ 2 and the RTÉ Player, kicking off at 7.45pm before another sold-out crowd at Tolka Park limited to 3,500.
Linfield have never surpassed the golden threshold into the league phase, marginally missing out in recent years. Qualification guarantees six additional games from October to December and the prize-fund rocketing to €3.8m.
Irish broadcasters have shipped flak for their TV coverage deficit for teams in European action. RTÉ showed the first leg of Shelbourne v Linfield, with Premier Sports doing likewise for the Qarabag tie.
Rights for the second leg at Windsor Park on Thursday week, August 29, are also up for grabs but through Linfield.
That's the same night Shamrock Rovers will be at home to Santa Clara chasing the same ticket. Twice in the last three years the Hoops navigated the qualifying series to progress and they're within 90 minutes of replicating despite not having the champions path through Uefa's premier competition for the first time in five years.
By Stephen Bradley's side wiping out a 1-0 first leg deficit against FK Ballkani with a 4-0 avalanche at Tallaght on Thursday, they face a gruelling trip to the Azores for next Thursday's first leg. The Portuguese outfit had racked up a 3-0 advantage against Larne before Thursday's scoreless draw in Northern Ireland.
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