Champion challenge

With just three weeks remaining until the draw for the first qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League, it should not be forgotten that Cliftonville Ladies will also be making their return to European action this summer.

John McGrady’s side, who didn’t drop a single point en route to an invincible Sports Direct Women’s Premiership title charge last term, will feature in the first qualifying round of the Women’s Champions League.

A recent restructuring of the schedule means the draw will now not take place until June 24, when the Reds will be selected in a four team group which will be contested on a semi-final and Final basis to determine which side progresses to the second stage.

The opening phase, for which Cliftonville will be unseeded, will comprise a total of 24 teams, with only the Montenegrin representatives yet to be determined.

Each first qualifying round group will contain a host Club that will stage all four fixtures in their section, with games set to be played on July 30 and August 2.