Daniel McDonnell: Diversity of European challenges gives Shels and Rovers reasons for excitement

Shamrock Rovers players, along with manager Stephen Bradley and his son Josh, centre, celebrate with supporters after their side's victory in the two-legged Uefa Conference League Play-off against Santa Clara on Thursday night. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

The draw for the group stages of the Conference League was a perfect illustration of the weird and wonderful nature of a competition that has expanded the joy of a prolonged European campaign to a wider range of countries.

A scan of the fixture list for Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers highlights how the competition brings together the best teams from mid- to low-ranked nations and a sprinkling of stardust from the big leagues.

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